Tabula Rasa (Blank Slate)

The weeks seem to fly by, don’t they friends?

Thanksgiving is behind us, and the Holy Season awaits.  While joyfully preparing a favorite dish for Thanksgiving dinner, I had my youngest son, Mark, in mind.  I knew he enjoyed it, and would be thankful upon seeing it on the bountiful table.  Just think – Jesus told us He would go and prepare a place for us!  He is making a place that will encompass all we adore!    John 14:2-3 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Lately, my focus has been on laying up meat for our 15 sled dogs, which requires trips via truck to nearby smokehouses and processors for their prime give-a-ways.  Today was such a trip.  This has been the routine for the last decade, and our thankfulness for these folks can’t begin to be verbalized.  Now, with the end of the rifle (deer) season, our trips will be less and less.  We also butchered our final hog, with processing day looming. 

I’ve dragged our dog sled out in the drive by the cabin, but have yet to hook up dogs.  This year, we are officially “retired” from providing rides to the public and it feels heavenly to have a clear calendar around the Christmas holidays.  Until I know that snow hook will take hold, the sled will sit. 

Since our last season, we have said our last farewell to several dogs in our kennel due to age and/or infirmity.  They were born before 2000 - old dogs, with puppy hearts.  It is always difficult to see a dog reach the end of the trail.  It fills your head with all the glory they experienced as Champions on the race trail.  How ironic that these dogs have seen more wilderness throughout the Midwest and beyond than us, as their owners.  Two of the dogs, Windows and Ranger, were born at Arctic Wind Racing Kennel {Bob and Jan Shaw}.  And one, old-gal Union, originated from the Championship kennel of Andrew and Diane Cesario.  All leaders.  All amazing.  In the early 2000’s they reigned as true Champions on winning teams driven by winning mushers such as Frank Holmberg, and owners, Joann and Larry Fortier who had Windows and Ranger in their Coyote Run Kennel for the main portion of their life.  In their later years, upon coming to us, they ran tours with intense pride, enthusiasm and an air of professionalism.  Many know them.  Many will miss them, as will we.  It’s bittersweet to close the door to a piece of mushing history.  Rest in peace, sweet canine friends.

Black bonnets on Black Friday – what a special way to spend the day!  I headed out early in the morning from our small 40-acre farm to head south – to my favorite Amish community.  I picked up two young women and headed to several Amish-run businesses, via my small 4x4 truck.  As we traveled out into “the world”, how delightful to be with these beautiful young women who were Christ-filled and joyful.  They are like a clean slate – Tabula Rasa.  What a gift.  We had a wonderful time, visiting two more Amish communities and wrapping up the day at a Walmart and Subway.   One of the highlights was seeing adults and children alike from one Amish community head home from a ski/sledding adventure on a local hill, using the horse-drawn wagon to pull gloved skiers, grasping ropes trailing behind the trotting horse.  It truly brought a smile to my face.

I’ll be heading back to my favorite Amish community next week, once again.  This time to assist in canning beef and pork from their recent butcher day.  I’m truly counting the minutes until that adventure.

The rifle season ended without success.  However, we are in a county that has a “late anterless” season from 12/23/13 to January 1.  I may have venison burger yet, Lord willing. 

On a sweet note, our hen “Israel” just came off her broody session with two new chicks today.  This gal hatched 22 chicks for us this past summer.  (8 the first batch, and 14 the second)  That’s a lot of sitting time!  She’s out in our barn, away from the chicken coop.  For a moment Russ talked about bringing the trio in the cabin for the next few week.  I would have complied, but after thinking more about it, we know the chicks are warm huddled under Mama Israel, and she is a good Mama and will protect her young. 

I will leave you with a precious video from a dear friend, Homemaker Ang.   You won’t be sorry you took the time to view these beautiful, unique images.  I’ll write more next week about how ironic it is that us, Homemaker Ang and family, and Terri’s family (as written about HERE) are all on the same page.  What’s going on folks?  What are we getting “ready” for?

Until next time – Lord willing. 

Rejoice!  The King is on His way!

Sherry

Russ-Stick Realville

In the last few weeks, we saw our final horse, Raz, head down the driveway to his new home.  Actually, he is “going home” to the place where he was born, a few miles east of us.  Our good friend, who loved him the minute she laid eyes on him as a newborn foal a decade ago, is thrilled beyond words to have him back.  

She still owns his Mama, along with several other horses, some also related to Raz., so he is very well received.  Every ride he has taken off our property has included a visit to this home, so he knows it as second nature.  We sent along his groceries too.  150 bales of hay, so the winter won’t be a burden to our good friends.

As for us…I found this quote tucked within my weekly Amish Newspaper (The Budget), which outlines our life desires to a T.  It is by Wendell W. Price.  “There are many activities I must cut out simply because I desire to excel in my pursuit after God and holiness.” 

Will we miss Raz?  Of course.  But I truly believe God brought us to this point, for many reasons.  I must say, I was stunned to see my dear friend, Terri at Our Crazy Farm, was also at this point in her walk.  I think we were saying goodbye to our horses at the same time as she and her family saw their last couple equines leave the farm.  She, too, had horses for many years, with generational ties.  She summed up my feelings upon their departure when she stated “peace dominates the sadness…”.  She added, “These earthly treasures and delights don’t demand our attention like they used to, our satisfaction and joy is sought elsewhere.  We walk along now, after having tasted of glory and eternities nearness, refusing to be comforted by anything short of God Himself.  It’s a strange place to be, to live in this world as if we don’t belong here, strangers and aliens waiting to go home.”  

She goes on to state our feelings, as if snatched from our very thoughts.  See for yourself, HERE.  {Thank you dear Terri, for your ever-comforting words.}

As for our small farm, we still have chickens.  We had two batches hatched this summer, starting on Memorial Day, with the last one in August, with a count of 14 chicks, compliments of our hen, Israel.  What a sight that was!  This summer, we made a new tradition of Sunday dinner being chicken dinner, compliments of our young roosters who morphed into “manhood” throughout the summer.  They go from the outdoor butcher table right into the oven.  Fresh and delicious ~ baked chicken with ‘tators and thick gravy and the trimmin’s.  Next day or so, it’s Chicken Pot Pie with the leftovers.

As for me, my travels to the Amish community have increased tenfold.  (I’ll be leaving again on “Black Friday” to spend the day.)  I have enjoyed so many visits to various homes, being welcomed into the fold by children and adults.  In recent months, I’ve enjoyed road trips with my Amish friend, traveling to other Amish communities.   I’ve been learning about living out a Christ-centered life to the fullest extent (I now wear not only a skirt, but a head covering).  At times, the emotions are so raw, there are tearful conversations as we dig into revelations of the Word, and such. 

Oh friends, I have so much to tell, but hold back.  I couldn’t figure it out until I talked with a dear friend, who also knows the deep roots of the Amish life.  She summed it up with one word.  INTIMATE.  It is too “intimate”.  It’s SO true…to write any facet about my visits, is truly too intimate.  Perhaps someday I can figure out a way to do so.  The Lord will let me know.

As snow continues to fall, my eyes wander to the sled dogs, all 15 of them.  (Zip is in the cabin by the woodstove, with me.)  This is their time.  And they know it.  For us, it will be different, as it is the first year in over a decade that we aren’t open to the public for dog sled rides.  Calls continue to come in.  We have already had to turn away two Boy Scout troops and others.  I feel bad in doing so, but know our musher friends will pick up the slack and provide them with a wonderful experience. 

I have decided I’m going to check in here each week.  I’ve missed you, my friends.  There is so much to talk about, and we must advance the Kingdom, as the Lord tarries.

Until next time, Lord willing,

Sherry

O Death, Where is Your Sting...

Sometimes a song touches the heart in a very special way.

This song touches mine.

You'll need to turn off the Playlist at the right, before clicking on this song.

Thinking of you, Terri, my dear friend at Our Crazy Farm.

For Terri, just as Mary, mother of Jesus, knows the agony of losing a son.  
Trent.
And also knows the victory of everlasting life.

Come awake my friends.  Come awake.

Take a listen, and let the song soak in your soul.

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Be Still and Know...

I haven't quite been able to put my finger on it.

The fact that I feel so...unproductive.

Perhaps it's because I follow so many amazing Blogs, where folks are doing so much.

Canning and such...

Baking goodies which we find on our "40"...

Or folks who travel across country on horses, and Bella the dog.
For the last 18 months.
Richard and Jeannette from Hearts Up Ranch.

And so much more...

But now, I think I know.  

This "abiding in Christ" business is hard work,
especially if you are trying to overcome a life of busy, never ceasing tasks.

And I see I'm not the only one doing it...abiding.

While reading my prayer partner Terri's Blog, from Our Crazy Farm,
my mind immediately pictured our horse, Raz.

Raz is 1/2 Mustang and 1/2 Thoroughbred.
Born on our friend's farm. 

Who came to us years ago,
untrained and young,
who has become a treasured team mate on our farm.
Both in the saddle and in harness.

He's big...

And he's a gentle soul, guided daily by another gentle soul.

He abides. 

He's totally "in the moment".

He listens to commands.

Gee.  Haw.  Back...back...back.  Over.  Ahead.  On bye.

 He is obedient and faithful.  Trusting in his master. 

Trusting his master will never ask more than what he is capable.

And teach him with baby steps.  Slow and easy.

Where some of us, me included, are on the run.
We think our way is the best way, the only way, and scurry about,
trying to make things right. 

On our own.

It's truly time to slow down.

Exhale.

And, as they say in the horse world, lick and chew, which means you are totally relaxed.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.” 

Psalm 46:10

Until tomorrow, abiding, God willing.

To Him be the Glory

I love finding new sources of Godly inspiration.

Especially when they are such a visual.  

A true feast of delight, 

for eyes and ears.

Such is Ann Voskamp.

You will need to turn off the soothing music I have provided on Playlist, to your right.

Ann is a farmer's wife, 

which makes her a farmer too, 

because we farmers know, 

it takes a family to make it happen.

Her husband, whom she married at age 16, farms 600+ hogs on Ontario land.  

We farm 2...

Ann is busy with homeschooling six children.

And writing an incredible Blog that will take you on a daily journey of grace.

Grab a cup of your favorite soothing drink, and find out more about Ann (without an e).

In addition to my new stop at "Ann's place", 

my daily journey takes me to one of my favorite Blogs, 

written by a kindred spirit,

Terri.

Terri is also a farmer, married to a cheesemaker, in the dairy state of Wisconsin.

She, too, homeschools her dear, sweet children.  

Their family is full and bustling with horses, pigs, goats, cows, chickens...and more.

The children...

Alexis, Cole, Grace and Micah.

And Trent, who has gone to be with the Lord.

The loss of a 12-year old boy, who loved life, is teaching others what it is to gain.

To gain a loving, trusting, all-encompassing relationship with Christ Jesus.

Terri tells us the story, giving Him the glory.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. 

Amen. 

2 Peter 3:18

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Trent's Legacy - A Fisher of Men

Late at night, I like to check out the Blogs I follow. 

They are good folks, who farm, who love the Lord.

Reading their Blogs, and seeing their farming lives and animals, 

makes me feel like I'm on track.

Late in February,

I clicked on Terri's Blog "Our Crazy Farm" and let out a late-night gasp.

It was titled "A New Home".

Terri's 12-year old son, Trent, was killed while attending a youth group ski outing.

Terri didn't miss a beat. 

She wrote her Blog, as she would any other day,

and outlined Trent's "new home" ~ Heaven.

It caught me so off guard. 

I was used to seeing baby goats, or children riding ponies, or the latest canning project. 

But this?  I was frozen on the page.

As condolences poured in, Terri wrote: 

"Know that God's plans and God's grace are greater than ours. We have been rejoicing since Friday for the good work that God has done! We have prayed for over 12 years for Trent to go to heaven one day and to be used by God in a mighty way~ and God has honored that.

Who are we to complain when and how??"

As the days unfolded, I followed Terri's Blog.  I have to admit, it wasn't easy at times.  Seeing the beautiful pictures of a boy I had not even met, made my heart heavy with sorrow.  But I kept coming back...

Why?  Because what I found wasn't what one would expect. 

There was no pity, no blame, no hate at the world for what happened. 

Quite the opposite.

I found grace.

I found the love of God.

I found a mother, who lost her son, but understood that loss in an intimate way.

It's been over a month, and I've continued to follow "Our Crazy Farm".

Tonight, I felt the need to share, as did other Bloggers,

due to the words Terri had flow from her heart to hand. 

I've never met Terri, but feel she is filled with an amazing love and understanding of the Lord's plan. 

A plan that is available to all, just for the asking.

Today, she writes this.  Click it here.

I hope the Lord continues to bless her with understanding, healing and faith,

and the ability to witness to His word and promises. 

Until tomorrow, God willing.