Friday, September 23, 2011

Plenty of Room


Today the Lord impressed some thoughts upon me about the word “room.” I began with the thought of our Hosts at church helping families find their rooms on Sunday night. I thought about how blessed we are to have plenty of room for a thriving Awana program. We are very FULL, but we have room. It made me think of the nativity phrase, “no room for them at the inn” (Luke 2:7) and I thought how the Lord provides the room we need, unlike what He experienced entering our world as a baby.

I, then thought about the “room” the Lord has provided in my own personal life this past month. Earlier this year we experienced the unexpected death of Mark’s father, married off our oldest daughter and had our rental home put on the market, forcing us to make a quick move. I joked about how many other BIG life stressors we could handle, but the Lord has given me a quiet place of rest on our new farm. He’s given me room. Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” I spent the last two years overcommitted in different volunteer capacities. It took a toll on my family, my health, and my peace of mind/spiritual life. The Lord taught me many things as I depended on Him to get me through each day, but I knew at the end of the last school year that it was time to say “no” to those commitments. I didn’t know that He would move us to the country, where logistically it would be impossible to keep my commitments, but I’m glad that I listened and obeyed.

My final thought was about the room the Lord is preparing in heaven. (Please, tell me your minds roam this way too!) John 14:2 tells us that “My Father’s house has many rooms….” I love how The Message says it, “There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home.” There is such comfort in knowing that the Lord is preparing a place for me, but while He is preparing the place for my future, He has given me all the room I need right now, physically, spiritually…in all ways. He supplies our every need and I’m thankful for it!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

I Love Country Life

Early morning view. Can you see the moon?
I love the peace and quiet of country life.

I love the slower pace, the dreaming, the ease.

I love the mist in the morning over the pastures and I smile when I hear the roosters crow.

I love the crunch of tires on gravel - someone is here to see us!

I love sleeping under a quilt in a cold farmhouse bedroom.

I love porches and barn doors and crickets in the garage.

I love hearing the neighbor's far-away voice and watch the horses gallop home.

I love a warm crockpot meal after a long day's work.

I love to gaze at the starry night sky.

I love that the farm inspires.

I love country life.

Little while later...dawning of a new day.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

She's Got A Name!

It took a while, but we've finally all agreed. I think, like Sweet Tea commented, the house "told" us what her name should be.

drum roll, please...

Scarlett Hill Farm

Why? you ask.

1. The farm is set on a hill and the house is trimmed in red.

2. We have a Gone With The Wind theme going on in our family (see here) and the name Scarlett is in honor of our Katie. Hill references the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the Kings of Ireland, in honor of our Tara.

It just seemed to fit.

No one fussed and trust me, there was a lot of fussing over the other names.

Tara was the one to come up with the name. She's excited about getting a prize for naming the farm.  I'll have to come up with something clever. Hmmm.

As we settle in here, have a good week, everyone!