The Pilgrim

Although my great (x 12) grandparents, John Alden and his bride-upon-landing Priscilla Mullins arrived on the Mayflower, I hesitate to share their sense of adventure. 

I did, however, inherit the love of the land and God.

As I walked our wooded trails yesterday, I pondered why I/we don’t like to leave home.  It’s been over 12 years since we had someone else do our chores while we left our land.  

Perhaps it is because our simple ways provide me with all I need to be content.  What is contentment?  

For years, I was like a animal-on-the-go…always running.  But to where?

Now, I bask in the contentment of His word.  His teachings.  His LOVE.

On that walk yesterday, I stopped at our Bear’s Den cabin and snagged a small one-person-percolator to brew my coffee while up north during my weekly stays.  Yes, I could opt for a Keurig coffee selection every morning, but something tells me I am going to want a little bit of “home” with me, in the form of a camp coffee pot. 

The countdown is on.   See my Blog "Daylight in the Swamp"...

It is 7 days before I begin my trek north each week, only to return home on the weekend.  Even my Mother, the recipient of my travels, was shocked I would leave my lifestyle.  It will be a journey.  A pilgrimage of sorts.

I will miss our broody hens, showing their chicks all the nuances of our property, causing me to alter my walking route each morning. 

I will miss being in the dog yard, handing out their breakfast treats as Russ scoops and waters.  I know they will miss me too…my heart aches before I even leave.

Then there’s Zip.  She’s my daily shadow.  What will she think?

Russ.  He will remain busy from dawn to dusk, as usual.  However, he will miss me showing up with a fresh-popped pan of popcorn at the end of the afternoon, or warm cookies from the oven mid-morning.  And I will miss him also, as we trek each night on our trails, talking over our lives and His promises.

I will miss the land.  My feet connecting each day, feeling drawn to every change, which takes on a new look every day.  Even last night, as it was chilly, I told Russ that as much as I can’t wait until Spring, I’m really looking forward to Fall.  I love it so.

But then, we are just all pilgrims passing through.  

This home, however beautiful or however flawed, is not our home.  Our home awaits, for those who know the Son of Man.

Do you know Him?  I pray you answered “without a doubt”.  

If not, please take time to get to know Him.  The love you will feel will be like nothing you have ever experienced.  The King is Coming.  And He’s coming for you…

Until next time, dear friends.

Lord willing,

Sherry

Coming Full Circle - My Independence Day

Lakota healer, Nicholas Black Elk, said it best.

"Everything the Power of the World does is done in a circle.

The sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars.

The wind, in its greatest power whirls.

Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours.

The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle. The moon does the same and both are round.

Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were.

The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.

Our tepees were round like the nests of birds,
and these were always set in a circle,

the nation's hoop."

My life, too, has come full circle. 

I've been busying myself with activities for the last couple years. 

A distraction perhaps?

  I was on a wild ride, which has come to an end. 

It's time to settle down and let things calm down. 

Our sled dog yard, which consists of Malakai, Jeff, Doug, Butcher, Little Feet, Awatchy, Dee Dee, Ranger, Astro, Aliy, Knik, Hawk, Libby, Hans, Star, Windows, Charlie, Penny, Asta and Union...

is set in stone. 

No newcomers.  No one leaving.

House dogs, Zip and Broccoli are secure in their roles. 

Zip is our cattle dog who we count on to round up any critter,

and Broccoli is our new greeter and guard dog. 

For ten years now, I've been living in a small rustic cabin with my best friend and "life coach" ~

my husband, Russ. 

Rustic Russ. 

 When given the opportunity, I don't leave "our 40". 

Our forty acres provides everything we need. 

Comfort, warmth, sustenance, excitement, solitude, and serenity. 

During the week days I have to leave to go "to work" -  

to step out into the world and swap my time for money. 

Why?  When everything I need is right here?

Could I possibly cut my ties from the world and live my life off our land?

Russ believes it.  And now I believe it.

As Mark Twain once said..."Civilization is a limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessaries..."

We are already living simply in so many ways...I haven't bought clothing from a store in a decade,

we are television free. 

We process all our own beef, pork, lamb, chevon, and rabbit. 

We use horse and dog power.

We enjoy fresh eggs, berries, maple syrup and more.

We live life simply. 

However, what is simple? 

Some of our farm friends, who live simply, are the hardest working folks we know. 

Could we do it?  Should we do it? 

We're coming closer...and making more plans. 

Follow along...you may wish to join us...