Another Day at the Office

Today is an anniversary. 

One year ago, on this day, I left an office job. 

Retired with the State of Michigan.

Upon doing so, I have experienced a freedom unlike any other.

And now, my "day at the office" is like this...

Meeting Russ at the bonfire before our dogsledding tour guests arrive.

The trail to my daily job, on our 40 acres.

My very hardworking cohorts.

Job satisfaction.

And daily perseverance.

Not only do I recognize and celebrate my anniversary of freedom,
but tomorrow,
on New Year's Day,
I celebrate 9 years being married to my best friend.


Happy Anniversary Russ

None of us on this 40 acres could imagine a life without you.

Happy 2012, dear friends.  God willing.

Winter is in Full Swing

Today has been very special.

First, our dogsledding tours began today.

Click here...to see.

Second, we have overnight guests staying at our Bear's Den cabin.

It's always exciting to read their journal entries upon their departure. 

Inspiration comes easy without electricity and running water.

Poets are born.

Photo taken in previous year.

This overnight couple will be our 2nd tour of the week.

The dogs are happy to get the "show on the road".

As are we...

Until tomorrow, dear friends.  God willing.

Contentment

Contentment.

Do you have it?

Or do you always feel like jumping the fence?

Flying the coop?

Or are you truly content with your surroundings?

Years ago, I was restless.

I was on a quest...searching.  

Never finding.

But now...

I have found peace.

 How about you...?

Take delight in the LORD,
   and he will give you the desires of your heart. 
Psalm 37:4

Until tomorrow, dear friends.  God willing.

Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail

Our rabbits are very structured.

As evidenced by their trails.

Boy, if only they used the same trails as our sled dogs.

We could really have everyone working together for the greater good.

But right now, our rabbits have one thing in mind...

to get to the chickens.

Why?  You ask?

Good eats!

And yes, they share...

Until tomorrow, dear friends.  God willing.

My First Ride

Christmas Eve, Russ hooked up dogs to his new sled.

He wanted to make sure it worked well, before we added more dogs...and me.

So today, the day after Christmas, I took the helm and away we went.

I was a tad nervous, but it went well.

Both me, and the dogs...had smiles.

Until tomorrow, dear friends.  God willing.

Winter Welcome!

A couple years ago on Christmas Eve,
Russ greeted our friends,
the Weldon Family,
(who were coming for dog sled rides...)
with his artistic endeavors,
showcased in the snow banks.

It was their first time visiting our place, and Russ didn't want them to miss the turn off!

This year, we don't have enough snow for such displays of artistic talent.

No snow plows on site yet.

But it's coming!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all~!

Until tomorrow, dear friends.  God willing.

Our New Wheels (...er... Sled!)

 Daisy, Daisy...

(Let's all sing...)

But you'll look sweet up on the seat
Of a dog sled that's built for two~!

It's done!

Russ made a new sled!

And it's built for two!

 Earlier this week,
Russ came up to the Wee House and showed me the completed sled,
while I was there, working in my "office".

He let it slide down the drive by our Wee House, showing me its "glide".

Notice the drag brake on the rear?

Well, recycling Russ used an old swing from a school yard swing set.

Russ loves to maneuver a sled.

The horses were snorting, flying about, stomping.

Those of you who know Raz, know that nothing ever gets him excited.

But the sound of the new runners obviously did.

So Russ dragged the new sled up to show him.

And his buddy Nauish.

Our black Mustang.

But first, we took a good look at our new mode of transportation.

I'll be at the front.

Russ will take up the rear.

A trip to town is in order.

It's been 3 weeks since I've stepped foot off our "40"... and oh, how I have loved it.

But first, we just need to...

...hook up the dogs!!

Note:  This photo was not taken this winter.


Until tomorrow, dear friends.  God willing.

Are You in The World?

Which is it for you?

What is your path?

Are you in the world?

Or out?

There's no in-between.

1 John 2:15-17 tells us this.

Do not love the world 

or the things in the world. 

If anyone loves the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him. 

For all that is in the world— 

the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—

is not from the Father 

but is from the world. 

And the world is passing away along with its desires, 

but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

 As for us, we have tried very hard to not be "in the world".

We have taken steps over the years to be on the right track.

No TV.

Haven't been to a movie in a decade.  

Make every attempt to steer clear of negative thoughts. 
(Yes, you can make them disappear, 

if you ask in the name of Jesus, 

with humility and grace.)

Do we fail? 

Yes.  Daily.

Hourly.

By the minute.

Sure, sometimes you get lured in to the world and its glitter.

But upon reflection, you will note it is a way to keep you off track...keep you from the prize.

Sadly, some folks may spend their entire lives trying to live up to the world's standards.

Searching, looking, not feeling adequate.  

Like they can't measure up.

And then, more searching.

Sometimes, frantically searching.

With no clear path before you...

  Just know the answer is right under your nose.

Jesus.

JESUS

Don't get sucked into the trap, my friends. 

Especially this holiday season.

Remember...

Less is more.

Handmade is best.

 Just spending time with your loved ones, sharing food, is sufficient.

And most of all, keep Jesus first.

If He hasn't been, start now.  

It isn't too late.

As long as you are on this earth, it isn't too late.

Start now, this Christmas season.

Scale back.

Quietly step back away from the world.

Focus on Jesus.

The light of the world.

Until tomorrow, dear friends.

Sherry