Beard Brigade

Prayer on the Island

Perhaps you noticed my Facebook Badge further down the right-hand side of my Blog page.  For those who know me, you know I’ve struggled with this media phenom.  I’ve written about it several times, on this Blog.  And this past summer I deactivated my “Facebook page” for two months, feeling the need to walk away.  Also, I wanted to see if I would miss it.  Strangely enough, while I was “deactivated”, I didn’t.  However, this story below, tells why I am now re-activated.  See if you agree.

A year ago, in the Autumn months of northern lower Michigan, I headed to Mackinac Island with a good friend.  We were excited to once again return to Win-Some Women, a Christian conference that has been in existence since the 1970’s.  On a whim, the day before leaving, I posted on Facebook saying I would be happy to pray for anyone, while on the Island, if needed.  Note, I stated I didn’t need to know their need.  God knows.  Having posted, I shut the computer off, and didn’t think any more about it, until I returned late that night to see if there were any requests.  Upon checking my Facebook page, I gasped.  I was steadily climbing to 100 requests, some did so with just a click of the “like” button, some with private messages, and even a phone message.  I was stunned, to say the least.  And now, what had begun as a whim, turned into a task.  I grabbed a pen and wrote everyone’s name on my nearby steno pad.  I also noted the specific prayer if they stated it.  Ironically, many stated it in the public forum, feeling no shame or concern.  While writing their names, which took me late into the night when I should have been packing, I was overcome with emotion.  But little did I know, that emotion was to peak once I arrived on the Island.

Heading north to the Island, the thick wad of notebook pages tucked in my pant’s pocket, I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world with me.  I had to do this right.  People were counting on me. 

I enjoyed the drive north, chatting and catching up with my friend, Lana, and once in Mackinaw City we parked and headed to the dock to board the boat.  Once on board, we enjoyed sitting at the front, in the belly of the Ferry boat, as we crossed the straights in cool, windy October weather.  Upon arriving, we took a carriage ride to the Grand Hotel.  (No motorized vehicles are allowed on the Island.)  We checked in and began attending the afternoon sessions.  The conference was underway. 

Between each session, I knew I had to complete my task, to pray for the folks listed.  I also knew God would lead me to do it at the right time, so I wasn’t worried.  So I waited.  That evening, after a delicious dinner of many courses, my thoughts again turned to my “list”.  As we walked past the appointed “Prayer Room”, I would look in, seeking solitude.  With 1000+ women at the Hotel for the conference, I knew solitude may not be the easiest request.

I went to bed that night, looking at the “list” sitting on the dresser, knowing we would leave the Island the next afternoon, making way for the new group to come in.  This particular conference is repeated in three sessions, many times “selling out” all three sessions.  I drifted to sleep knowing I must accomplish this task.  Again, knowing that people were counting on me.

The next morning, after another amazing Grand Hotel meal, I knew I had to act.  We had two hours before the morning session began.  I told my traveling partner, Lana, I was heading to the Prayer Room and would be praying for the folks.  Upon arriving, I found the room empty.  I took out the papers, unfolded them, and began to go down the list in prayer.  It was then, I realized I needed someone to join me.  The scripture about “…where two or more are gathered” kept going through my brain like a ticker tape.  It was then I realized a woman from my childhood had walked in and was getting settled.  Jane.  I knew her as “Mrs. A”.  She and her “dentist” husband raised their family about a block from where I grew up, in my hometown.  I had actually babysat for their children once when I was in my early teens.  Jane was also very involved in the church I attended while my children were growing up.  She was always easy to spot, impeccably dressed in beautiful colors, that made her entire being shine.  Now that I spotted her, I rose and hesitantly went over to where she was in the prayer room.   You know, I don’t even remember what I said.  I just know that she smiled her amazing smile (you know the kind…Jesus filled) and she led me to a table nearby.  And then it began.  We first began with a prayer.  Then, the names.  

I slowly read a name.  Then another.  And another.  Tears flowed.  I couldn’t stop.  I was mumbling the names through a deep, sob-restrained voice.  When I got to the bottom of the steno-lined page, Jane, with tears in her eyes, placed her hands on mine and knowing this was bigger than her or me, suggested we pray after each page.  Upon doing so, I began reading the names again.  Twenty names.  We prayed.   Another page.  Tears flowed.  Another page.  Sobs were caught.  Over an hour went by.  And so it went, until every name had been spoken.  And more prayer covered the process.  Both Jane and I were overcome with emotion, and for me, exhaustion.  The Holy Spirit was there.  He was full, and enveloping, and all consuming.  And comforting, for he IS the comforter.

Upon thanking Jane for being there, she suggested I leave the names in the prayer basket so the folks listed can also be prayed for throughout the next six months, as the conference leaders do each time.  They would be prayed for until the conference next May.  I released my burden, and left my “list”. 

After sharing our story with other conference leaders who had entered the prayer room, I hugged Jane and left, looking back to my folded steno-pad papers sitting in the basket, lined with names scribbled late in the darkness several nights before, taken from my Facebook page.  It was such a blessing to be able to deliver the requests.  To bring them to light.  Such an honor.

And the blessing was to begin, as the days following the event, turned into weeks.  On Facebook, I could see the prayers coming true.  Relationships were mended.  Jobs were obtained.  The list went on and on.  I was seeing prayers come true before my very eyes.  And I knew right then, that in all the 13+ years I had attended this conference, most years both spring and fall, this simple task of prayer made it the most important conference ever.  The day there was prayer on the Island. 

Romans 12:15  “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Until next time, dear friends, Lord willing.

Sherry

Death of a Camera

Earlier this year, as spring rolled into summer, I was careless.  I certainly didn’t mean to be.  But I was.  And now I have to live with the consequences.

It was a normal day here on the farm.  By noon, I had found several delightful scenes I wanted to capture on camera.  This was always the case with me.  I am so inspired with various farm (and wild) animals that my first impulse is to grab my camera and capture it.  This day was no different.  But this day was to be the end.  I leisurely hung my Nikon D80 on our handcrafted wooden swing near our outhouse, careful to have the long lens hang just so.  I was always so careful with my camera, handling it like a newborn.  However, upon my quick exit from the outhouse, the nearby goats caught my attention and led me away from my waiting camera.  It wasn’t until later in the afternoon, when I went to take a photo of Russ working with our Mustang after a warm sudden rainstorm, that I realized I didn’t know where I had left it.  I checked our cabin, then our truck.  No, not there.  Then the Wee House, which is near our outhouse.  It was then I literally gasped with the realization of what I had done.  Sure enough, my camera was still hanging, albeit wet. 

After many attempts at drying it out, and a call to the Nikon company, I realized it was to no avail.  My precious camera was no more. 

The spring months moved into summer, and then fall, and now winter.  I have been unable to capture my precious moments.  Normally, I would shoot 100 or so shots per day, every day.  Now, I must commit these scenes to memory. 

It has been a lesson for me.  However, I’ve also pondered the 2^nd Commandment:  Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image.  Do I put my camera and photos above my thoughts of Jesus?  Perhaps going without this piece of equipment is a good test of where I stand. 

 Psalm 105:4 “Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face evermore.”

Thank you for visiting, dear friends.  Until next time, Lord willing.

Sherry

Winter Woes

The last week of snow brought a realization.   

I’m done traveling for the winter.   

Bottom line, I don’t like driving in snow. 

 

Sounds odd, I know, for someone who lives a rustic life in northern lower Michigan.   

But perhaps that is why.

 I’ve had my share of white-knuckle trips. 

Of bouncing off snowbanks. 

But with that realization of being home bound, my heart is sad. 

For my trips to visit my Amish friends are on hold until spring.

I’ll have to settle for my weekly letters.

 And dream of spring visits. 

Until next time, dear friends.  Lord willing.

Sherry

P.S.  I've finally, {yes, it has taken months} figured out how to do my Blog effectively (almost) from the local Library.  I will be updating on a normal basis now.  I can't wait to share more stories.  See you soon...Lord willing.

Winter Welcome

Winter is upon us...

Welcome.

Stay tuned for our snowy adventures.

Until then, Lord willing...

Sherry

Runnin' Dogs

In the coldness of Autumn, we run our dogs.

We combine training...

...conditioning...

and just experiencing the beauty of the season change.

I hope all of you are doing well, 

as we head toward the middle of November.

Winter is almost upon us.

Until next time dear friends, God willing.

Sherry

Ebb and Flow

I'm still here...

I'm just knee deep in enjoying our simple life, much like this Amish family.

We are slowly moving out of summer, into Autumn...

...and enjoying the beauty it brings to our little world.

How about you, dear friends?

How is your little corner of the world?

Until next time, God willing.

And God bless...

Sherry

New Way of Shopping

I've gone from this...

To this...

Until next time, dear friends.

Lord willing...

Sherry

Anxious?

Me too...

for winter...

However, it will come soon enough.

Plus, 

I don't want to skip my favorite season...

Autumn.

Until then, we will continue to enjoy what each day brings.

The good...

And the bad...

Speaking of anxious...

If you are not familiar with what is happening with our skies, please watch this...

it's a "must see" for all.  

Until next time, dear friends.  

Lord willing.

(And know He is sovereign...)

Sherry

Friday Amish Visit

Soon...

I'll be among them.

To me, it's the best thing...

...this side of Heaven.

Until next time, dear friends.
I'm off visiting the Amish folks.

Lord willing.

Sherry

Not-So-Random Act of Kindness

If you've been on the Mighty Mac lately,

you might have been on the receiving end of a

random act of kindness.

Years ago, I was the recipient of an act of kindness while crossing the Bridge.

The vehicle in front of me...
paid my toll.

I was stunned...and thankful.

Since then,
whenever I cross the Straits of Mackinac,
I enjoy doing the same.

Paying the toll for the vehicle behind me.

Whether you are in Michigan, or in San Fran, try it.

You'll have a smile, and so will the car behind you.

Pass it on...

Until next time, dear friends, Lord willing.

Sherry

Amish Hospitality

It's been nearly two weeks, since I stepped into the world of the Amish.

This time, I was invited to attend their church service.

I can't write about it yet.  

It's still too sacred, too raw.

Too spiritual.

But soon, I will share the treasured time.  

It is truly one of the most blessed days I have ever spent in my life.

I felt...

at home.

Until then, God willing.

To Him be the Glory ~

Sherry

Beck, Beans, Blackberries, and Buggy Training

With my hubby back from Texas...we can now get down to business.

{Russ was gone for 13 days...at Restoring Love in Dallas}

Russ was off serving others, and honoring our country.

I held down the farm {and sled dog kennel}.  

Barely...

Now, we both can continue to harvest our vegetable garden, 

pick the wild blackberries,

with Zip's assistance...

and

begin to train our youngster, 

Nauish (Now-eesh)

for buggy work.

I can't wait to see him prance down our dirt road...hauling us to town, and back.

We'll keep you posted.

I can't wait to share more of our life with you, Lord willing.

To HIM be the Glory!

Sherry

Solitude

Is it just me?

Or do you crave it too?

Solitude...

To me, solitude is right up there with air and water.

I need it.

I crave it.

It soothes my soul.

If you are looking for solitude, I hope you find it.

And if you haven't gotten "right with God"...

who provides the ultimate "soothing of the soul",

you can do so by going to this website (highlighted below).

And know God personally...

Have fun flipping the pages on this little book...computer style.

Until next time dear friends, God willing...

Sherry

Summer Sizzle

My life is simple.

No alarms.

No office to head to.

I am lead by one thing, and one thing only.

Jesus...

Oh, but I try...

Two new (just weaned) lambs grace our small farm.

Retrieved this past Saturday, from an Amish farm, a couple hours south of us.

It was a wonderful trip, with my friend, Ellen.

We were within minutes of the Horse Progress Days,
but couldn't stop with our precious cargo.

If that's not enough, I'm heading on a solo trek on Thursday,
to get our new piglets (just weaned),
from another Amish farmer.

I love my Amish farmer friends.  

Until then, keep your eye on the prize...God willing.


"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 
More than that, 
we rejoice in our sufferings, 
knowing that suffering produces endurance, 
and endurance produces character, 
and character produces hope, 
and hope does not put us to shame, 
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts 
through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Romans 5:2-5


Sherry

P.S.  If you haven't visited this lovely Blog (linked below),
 you might enjoy a "look-see".

It's always fun to meet new folks.

Lilac Lane Cottage