Evergreens in the front yard
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Winter
My first winter on the prairie, after I was married, was one that I will not forget anytime soon. (Actually, I have pictures and video to remind me.) The winter of 1996/1997, left us with a lot of snow. I remember being without power for 3 days and the blizzard blowing around outside left us housebound. Talk about going stir crazy.
One thing I learned during that time was that I had no trouble entertaining myself...playing the piano, reading, doing counted cross stitch, and playing games...I even survived the 3 days of solitude. Well, it wasn't actually solitude...my husband was stuck in the house too. I also learned something about him...he doesn't have anything to entertain himself...no interest in books, at all. If he can't work in the shop, he goes stir crazy. And a person can only sleep so much in 3 days.
At that time, we didn't have a generator to use. We had a back up fuel heater that wasn't fun to clean up afterwards. Once the kids came along, we decided to invest in a generator. At least we can have lights and some warmth. Cooking ends up being sandwiches at time, but we have fun.
There always seems to be snow. Lots of snow. That first winter left us with so much snow that I haven't seen that much since then. We could take the snowmobile and drive it up a snowbank. When we got to the top and got off, the tree tops were chest high. No lie. I probably should find the old pictures. Some of our little feed buildings were under snow too. It was unbelieveable.
So, yesterday, we once again had a snow storm. It snowed all morning and we lost power during the afternoon. Now we have a generator so it makes life a little easier. The temp was around 33 degrees too so it was "warm" by our standards. After cleaning the house all morning, the kids and I decided to go have some fun. We made a snow woman and then we went sledding down the back hill. The snow was the right consistency for snowballs too. We came in very wet and tired. Since we had no power, everything had to be hung up in the basement.
We have power again but we are still staying at home. The wind has come up, blowing snow across the road and the visibility is getting less. It really is no fun driving on ice when you can't see the ditch.
It's fun to be out and about with other people, but it's also nice to just stay home with family. Winter is a time to rest. When we have our blizzards, I feel like God is telling me to slow down and reconnect with family. I can take that time for crafts, playing games, playing the piano, reading and resting. God really does know my needs before I do.
One thing I learned during that time was that I had no trouble entertaining myself...playing the piano, reading, doing counted cross stitch, and playing games...I even survived the 3 days of solitude. Well, it wasn't actually solitude...my husband was stuck in the house too. I also learned something about him...he doesn't have anything to entertain himself...no interest in books, at all. If he can't work in the shop, he goes stir crazy. And a person can only sleep so much in 3 days.
At that time, we didn't have a generator to use. We had a back up fuel heater that wasn't fun to clean up afterwards. Once the kids came along, we decided to invest in a generator. At least we can have lights and some warmth. Cooking ends up being sandwiches at time, but we have fun.
There always seems to be snow. Lots of snow. That first winter left us with so much snow that I haven't seen that much since then. We could take the snowmobile and drive it up a snowbank. When we got to the top and got off, the tree tops were chest high. No lie. I probably should find the old pictures. Some of our little feed buildings were under snow too. It was unbelieveable.
So, yesterday, we once again had a snow storm. It snowed all morning and we lost power during the afternoon. Now we have a generator so it makes life a little easier. The temp was around 33 degrees too so it was "warm" by our standards. After cleaning the house all morning, the kids and I decided to go have some fun. We made a snow woman and then we went sledding down the back hill. The snow was the right consistency for snowballs too. We came in very wet and tired. Since we had no power, everything had to be hung up in the basement.
We have power again but we are still staying at home. The wind has come up, blowing snow across the road and the visibility is getting less. It really is no fun driving on ice when you can't see the ditch.
It's fun to be out and about with other people, but it's also nice to just stay home with family. Winter is a time to rest. When we have our blizzards, I feel like God is telling me to slow down and reconnect with family. I can take that time for crafts, playing games, playing the piano, reading and resting. God really does know my needs before I do.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Quiet Stillness
After having the kids home for two weeks over the holidays, I didn't realize that I had adjusted to the noise level during that time. Well, I realized it after they left for school yesterday morning.
The house was....peaceful. As I sat at the table drinking my coffee and gazing out the window, I enjoyed the sight of soft fluffy snowflakes fluttering to the ground. It gave me the feeling of just wanting to curl up in the recliner with a blanket, hot coffee and a book. A roaring fire would have set the mood too, but I am not fortunate enough to have a fireplace. I suppose I could have thrown in the DVD we have of the crackling fire and background Christmas music.
My peaceful day ended at 4 pm. That's when the bus arrived in the yard, depositing those two little angels I sent off earlier in the day. Bedtime couldn't come soon enough for me. Just because you love each other so much and didn't get to see each other much during the school day, does not mean you can start "loving" each other after you get home. I felt like I had put on a zebra suit and was thrown into the middle of an All-Star Wrestling match. The daughter did everything in her power to ignite her brother with madness. It took us forever to finish up the mounds of homework he brought home because she wouldn't leave him alone. My ears were actually hurting at one point from all the "love" in the room.
Finally, peacefullness once again decended upon my household. Around 10 pm. Luckily, I wasn't tired enough yet and could sit in the quiet for a few minutes before retiring to dreamland myself.
Ah, but that dreamland only seemed to last a few short hours when I was so so rudely awakened by my daughter demanding that I get out of bed and get her breakfast for her. Now, mind you, any other time this 9 yr old, very independent child, can fix herself anything from scrambled eggs to mac-n-cheese in the microwave, so cereal for her is very simple. But not this morning. It seemed that she didn't wake up in time to get her own breakfast and eat it and thought mom could do it faster. This was at 7:25 am and the school bus arrives in our yard any time after 7:50 am. She wanted to argue the point with me instead of going and getting her breakfast.
I eventually put everything on the table for her. I figured she could pour her own stuff and eat it because I really didn't want to eat that kind of cereal this morning. It seemed like every little thing was irritating her this morning, well, everything her brother did. And he was just getting himself ready for school and then tried playing the piano which really set her off again. I think tonight will be an early to bed night....I hope the kids can get their own supper and don't disturb me while I'm sleeping.
So, now...here I sit, once again...at my table with a hot cup of coffee. Gazing out the window watching the snow fall peacefully to the ground again today. I have the feeling of wanting to sit in my recliner, snuggled under a blanket, reading a good book and listening to the crackle of a fire. Ah, the quiet stillness of having your children go to school.
The house was....peaceful. As I sat at the table drinking my coffee and gazing out the window, I enjoyed the sight of soft fluffy snowflakes fluttering to the ground. It gave me the feeling of just wanting to curl up in the recliner with a blanket, hot coffee and a book. A roaring fire would have set the mood too, but I am not fortunate enough to have a fireplace. I suppose I could have thrown in the DVD we have of the crackling fire and background Christmas music.
My peaceful day ended at 4 pm. That's when the bus arrived in the yard, depositing those two little angels I sent off earlier in the day. Bedtime couldn't come soon enough for me. Just because you love each other so much and didn't get to see each other much during the school day, does not mean you can start "loving" each other after you get home. I felt like I had put on a zebra suit and was thrown into the middle of an All-Star Wrestling match. The daughter did everything in her power to ignite her brother with madness. It took us forever to finish up the mounds of homework he brought home because she wouldn't leave him alone. My ears were actually hurting at one point from all the "love" in the room.
Finally, peacefullness once again decended upon my household. Around 10 pm. Luckily, I wasn't tired enough yet and could sit in the quiet for a few minutes before retiring to dreamland myself.
Ah, but that dreamland only seemed to last a few short hours when I was so so rudely awakened by my daughter demanding that I get out of bed and get her breakfast for her. Now, mind you, any other time this 9 yr old, very independent child, can fix herself anything from scrambled eggs to mac-n-cheese in the microwave, so cereal for her is very simple. But not this morning. It seemed that she didn't wake up in time to get her own breakfast and eat it and thought mom could do it faster. This was at 7:25 am and the school bus arrives in our yard any time after 7:50 am. She wanted to argue the point with me instead of going and getting her breakfast.
I eventually put everything on the table for her. I figured she could pour her own stuff and eat it because I really didn't want to eat that kind of cereal this morning. It seemed like every little thing was irritating her this morning, well, everything her brother did. And he was just getting himself ready for school and then tried playing the piano which really set her off again. I think tonight will be an early to bed night....I hope the kids can get their own supper and don't disturb me while I'm sleeping.
So, now...here I sit, once again...at my table with a hot cup of coffee. Gazing out the window watching the snow fall peacefully to the ground again today. I have the feeling of wanting to sit in my recliner, snuggled under a blanket, reading a good book and listening to the crackle of a fire. Ah, the quiet stillness of having your children go to school.
Friday, January 1, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." ~ Romans 12:2
I have never really been one to make resolutions each new year because after a month or two they tend to go by the wayside and are forgotten. Setting goals seemed like a better idea but yet there are times I slack off and don't even try to reach the goals I've set.
One thing that I have been able to continue doing each year is growing in my spiritual walk with the Lord. For me, that is an ongoing, never ending thing that I am able to do. I enjoy digging into the word of God, searching for His truths and will for my life. I enjoy fellowshipping with other believers and studying the Bible with them. I enjoy being renewed in my mind and spirit with things of the Lord. So, once again this year, I will continue along the path of spiritual growth.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
It is easy to lose heart and quit. I need to renew my commitment to serving Christ. I should not forsake my eternal reward because of the intensity of today's troubles. My very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen me moment by moment.
For this new year of 2010, I will continue to read and study my Bible, but I will try hard to spend more time in the word of God than I did in 2009. I will continue to lift my prayers up to God, but I will try to pray even more than I did last year. I will continue to share Christ with other, but I will try to be even bolder and share more than I did in the previous year.
Each little increase in my action can bring even more spiritual growth to my self, my family and those I come in contact with each day. I can make an an impact on the Kingdom of heaven.
So here is to....reading the Bible, Praying, and witnessing...in 2010. Won't you join me?!
I have never really been one to make resolutions each new year because after a month or two they tend to go by the wayside and are forgotten. Setting goals seemed like a better idea but yet there are times I slack off and don't even try to reach the goals I've set.
One thing that I have been able to continue doing each year is growing in my spiritual walk with the Lord. For me, that is an ongoing, never ending thing that I am able to do. I enjoy digging into the word of God, searching for His truths and will for my life. I enjoy fellowshipping with other believers and studying the Bible with them. I enjoy being renewed in my mind and spirit with things of the Lord. So, once again this year, I will continue along the path of spiritual growth.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
It is easy to lose heart and quit. I need to renew my commitment to serving Christ. I should not forsake my eternal reward because of the intensity of today's troubles. My very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen me moment by moment.
For this new year of 2010, I will continue to read and study my Bible, but I will try hard to spend more time in the word of God than I did in 2009. I will continue to lift my prayers up to God, but I will try to pray even more than I did last year. I will continue to share Christ with other, but I will try to be even bolder and share more than I did in the previous year.
Each little increase in my action can bring even more spiritual growth to my self, my family and those I come in contact with each day. I can make an an impact on the Kingdom of heaven.
So here is to....reading the Bible, Praying, and witnessing...in 2010. Won't you join me?!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Snowed In
The wind is still howling outside. It's hard to tell if it is still snowing or just blowing around. But, I do know that we have a very large drift between the house and the garage. My husband will have to start the tractor some time today so that we can make it to church tomorrow. Providing the roads are clear. But then, one of the advantages of living next to a highway is that the plow goes by a lot.
When we are snowed in like this, I think about what it was like way back when. No electricity, no close friends to talk to, being totally confined to your house. I really do live in a smaller house on the Prairie. I live in the middle of nowhere. Those that have actually visited me tend to agree. In a day and age when we are used to being minutes away from a grocery store or Walmart, I, in fact drive 55 miles to do my shopping. That's not a trip you make daily.
There are many times during the winter though, that I am very thankful for the chance to be snowed in. Sometimes I don't mind being without electricity either. Being snowed in gives me a chance to sit and reflect. I feel it's God's way of telling me..."slow down, I want to spend more time with you, I want to show you something important so listen closely". When the snow stops and the storm quiets and I can get out and about again, I feel more refreshed and ready to face what the world has in store for me.
Winter is a time for things in nature to become dormant. Although I know I can not become dormant, I do need to take time to rest and refresh my body, mind and soul. Only then can I be more useful in doing the Lord's work and helping those around me.
Today is a good day to just spend time reading, relaxing and regrouping with the husband and kids. Maybe this afternoon we will be able to get outside and enjoy some of this snow.
When we are snowed in like this, I think about what it was like way back when. No electricity, no close friends to talk to, being totally confined to your house. I really do live in a smaller house on the Prairie. I live in the middle of nowhere. Those that have actually visited me tend to agree. In a day and age when we are used to being minutes away from a grocery store or Walmart, I, in fact drive 55 miles to do my shopping. That's not a trip you make daily.
There are many times during the winter though, that I am very thankful for the chance to be snowed in. Sometimes I don't mind being without electricity either. Being snowed in gives me a chance to sit and reflect. I feel it's God's way of telling me..."slow down, I want to spend more time with you, I want to show you something important so listen closely". When the snow stops and the storm quiets and I can get out and about again, I feel more refreshed and ready to face what the world has in store for me.
Winter is a time for things in nature to become dormant. Although I know I can not become dormant, I do need to take time to rest and refresh my body, mind and soul. Only then can I be more useful in doing the Lord's work and helping those around me.
Today is a good day to just spend time reading, relaxing and regrouping with the husband and kids. Maybe this afternoon we will be able to get outside and enjoy some of this snow.
Friday, December 25, 2009
It's a white Christmas!
Oh, the weather outside was frightful, but we didn't have a fireplace so it was sort of delightful. lol We didn't have have any place to go today, actually, we didn't have much of a choice but to stay home. Visibility was very poor.
We had a very relaxing day at home. The kids didn't wake us up too early. We had a good breakfast and snacked our way through the rest of the day. We watched movies and just relaxed. My husband didn't even go outside once today, which is very unusual. My son shoveled off the back steps for us.
It was a very different Christmas, not spending it with extended family.
We had a very relaxing day at home. The kids didn't wake us up too early. We had a good breakfast and snacked our way through the rest of the day. We watched movies and just relaxed. My husband didn't even go outside once today, which is very unusual. My son shoveled off the back steps for us.
It was a very different Christmas, not spending it with extended family.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
December 24, 2009
Today is Christmas Eve. The ground is white and wind is blowing. As I look out my picture window it looks very cold outside. The temp is only zero. Brrrr.
I have buns baking in the oven. They'll go good with the homemade chicken noodle soup that we are having for supper tonight. We will be eating supper with my father-in-law and then attending the Christmas Eve service at his church. Of course, that is all dependent on what the weather does later this afternoon. I really do not want to get stranded in town. I would much rather be stranded at home.
The kids turned the tree lights on this morning. They are still on. The white lights are so pretty twinkling against the red bulbs. There are so many gifts under the tree, too. I look at each of those packages and think of the blessings that we have received through out the year. God has been so faithful to us in so many ways.
I am so thankful I have this time to celebrate the birth of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
I have buns baking in the oven. They'll go good with the homemade chicken noodle soup that we are having for supper tonight. We will be eating supper with my father-in-law and then attending the Christmas Eve service at his church. Of course, that is all dependent on what the weather does later this afternoon. I really do not want to get stranded in town. I would much rather be stranded at home.
The kids turned the tree lights on this morning. They are still on. The white lights are so pretty twinkling against the red bulbs. There are so many gifts under the tree, too. I look at each of those packages and think of the blessings that we have received through out the year. God has been so faithful to us in so many ways.
I am so thankful I have this time to celebrate the birth of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
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