In my mind I have planned a LOT of things to accomplish...during the summer. It has just hit me, it IS summer, and while I have not been lazing around taking naps mid-day, etc. (although, that sounds REALLY GOOD right about now!!) I am realizing I need to reorganize and get those 'summer jobs' under way. We had the best visit with my parents and family! The SURPRISE 50th dinner...was actually a SURPRISE!! We got to visit with and meet many people.My wonderful parents...married 50 years July 5th this year.
While we were up in the Indiana/Michigan/Ohio area we picked up 2 Tunis sheep and a Collie puppy. Rachel kept humming the theme to "The Beverly Hillbillies" for some strange reason. The big question was how to get them back...WITHOUT putting them in Mama's bus. My dh is VERY ingenious and worked out a 2-cages-in-the-back-of-the-van-minus-the-back-seat-with-lots-of-plastic-sheeting routine! Oh! and of course duct tape played a very prominent part in the proceedings. Bobby and Sarah getting "Grace and Glory" loaded in her cage. Bobby and helpers loading "Acceptance with Joy" Julia holding "Mulberry Mischief"
We made it home by 4:30 a.m. June 29th with no mis-haps. Everyone has gotten situated nicely. We hit the ground running...again. Next on the docket was practicing for our 4th of July engagement in our town.
We were learning two new songs and that takes a little maneuvering when you are dealing with this many people and instruments...and a LOT of prayer! Rain was in the forecast...but it held off. There was a quartet that sang a couple of songs first and then we went on to open for the Freeman family. After the Freemans sang there were good old fashioned fireworks. An acappella number...
Sabbath we RESTED! and then welcomed Bobby's aunt and uncle from Pensacola for their annual visit. Today we had a customer in from CA for the day...and gone, as well as Bobby's cousin we haven't seen in a few years from VA. Tomorrow we are having a family...they just had their first baby (daughter). Many years ago I babysat for the husband and his brother. It has been a joy to watch them grow up, get married and become fathers. Bobby's cousin, his daughters and their friends are coming back to stay here tomorrow. Thursday our annual wheat order is arriving to be distributed... In the middle of all of this, laundry and gardening and bookkeeping and shipments and cleaning and meals must go on. On Sabbath we also had another surprise...the gate on a pipe for one of the lakes "blew out"...(read failed) which was a shock...about 2/3 of the water from the lake was gone! As we were scrambling trying to figure out what happened and how to save the fish, several neighbors came to help "engineer" an answer. A cap was placed on the outer pipe with a valve to regulate how much water 'escaped' while we had a new STEEL gate made...instead of the original design of plastic. Tomorrow another friend with scuba gear is coming to install the new gate. Then we will have to pray for rain to fill up the lake to where it should be. About half way through, I remembered to pray and THANK the Father for allowing even this to come...and immediately I felt HIS peace. He is so trustworthy. I hope this isn't too scattered. I am hanging on for the ride! We are continuing to pray for the Estes family, Josephine and her family, and Carina Fortin and her children.
Grace and Peace,
Ruth
Have you ever had whole weeks...maybe even months of unexpected happenings occurring over which you have NO control? I am beginning to see a pattern here. I am hearing the same thing from others around me, as well as reading it on some of the blogs. It is like being caught in the crossfire of a snowball fight. Before you can figure out what happened yesterday...or an hour ago...something new has shown up on the horizon. My personal understanding has broadened over the last few weeks. As I have been having my personal quiet time every morning...sometimes more quickly than usual due to circumstances. The Heavenly Father has been asking me to trust Him more and with quietness. Now everyone who knows me knows that I am 'normally' not quiet. It is not that I am loud, raucous, and out of control...but, I do tend to talk more than I should. So, this has been interesting. With all my heart I want to walk in agreement with my LORD. Psalms talks about Yeshua (Jesus) not even answering for good, but being quiet. So, I am studying to be quiet... When controversial subjects are brought up, when a decision is made (by my dh) that I might not totally agree with, and such occasions...I am trying to just BE QUIET. Now, if my husband asks me, then I speak up...but, even then I am trying to work on stopping to check my words before just blurting out what I think is better. In between times I have been spending more time just praying over all of my concerns and praising Him often. I have had GREAT peace. Just stating the fact that none of these circumstances have taken Yahweh (GOD) by surprise has given me comfort. We had a WONDERFUL time of fellowship at our meeting on Sunday afternoon...which was Shavuot. Our time of prayer was rich and encouraging. The singing was enthusiastic and lengthy. The teaching/sharing time gave me new things to meditate on. We had a new family come to visit, so it was also a time of getting acquainted. The food was delicious and enough and the children had loads of fun afterwards playing a rousing game of charades before everyone left. Our Julia took a tumble off of a horse and got a nick (read small chunk) of flesh off of the bottom of her chin. She also got what looks like a 'race track' across her left cheek...but she is fine. Thank you Father! I am humbled and reminded of His merciful faithfulness every time we have a close call. Thank you for all of the sweet comments. One of the 'things' is that my grandmother died early on Sunday morning. Because of our commitments we are unable to go up to Ohio for her funeral on Friday. The following Friday we are planning on being in IN for my parent's 50th anniversary SURPRISE dinner. We are hoping it remains a surprise. LOL I am the eldest of four children spread out in four different states. We are playing and singing this Thursday night here locally and again on the 4th of July for our town's Ford dealership gospel concert and fireworks. So...if I don't get to post again for a little bit...you will understand. I need to quietly finish and head up to my family at the house.
Grace and Peace,
Ruth
Wow! It is Father's Day weekend! The last time I was able to post was...mmm Mother's Day. I KNOW I am not the only one out here that is running in 5th gear every day lately. My famous line is..."this has GOT to STOP!" I am definitely looking forward to this weekend. First, because tonight begins Sabbath...ahhh rest...that is a very sweet sounding word at this moment. And secondly, because Sunday is Shavuot or in the greek, Pentecost. The day we celebrate the coming of the Comforter (aka the Holy Spirit). It is also a Sabbath (read Lev. 23). So, I am once again reminded that our wonderful Heavenly Father KNOWS when we need a double Sabbath. A time to rest, study His word and fellowship with other believers. There are many 'things' going on right now. We have been spending a lot of time in earnest prayer. Please continue to hold up the entire Estes family. Also, please continue to pray for Jaynee's husband, Daniel Lockwood. We are also praying for four mothers who have been diagnosed with cancer and are at various stages in this 'season'....Tina and her husband Roland and 3 homeschooled children, Karen (with her husband and 3 grown children and new grandbaby), Margaret (with her husband and young adult son), and Shannon (with her husband and toddler and infant daughters). I would greatly appreciate prayers for my grandmother (95 yrs.) who is very weak and failing. In other news, we had a VERY full weekend last weekend playing and singing at the 22nd Annual Coke Ovens Bluegrass Festival here in Dunlap, TN, attending a wedding, and a graduation celebration where the girls and I dressed up in 1860's hoop skirts. We had a wonderful time. I will try to post some pictures at the end of this blog. In the meantime, the Father has been gently teaching me to DAILY and sometimes, minute-by-minute TRUST HIM. I have had the most wonderful peace...especially when I remember to praise HIM, even when I don't understand or see the purpose in what is happening. Reading his word, praying and crying and singing to HIM is what keeps me going every day in these uncertain times. As far as Father's Day...even though we try to honor the fathers in our lives...we told our children early on, "EVERY day is Father's (or mother's or children's) Day!" We should honor and treat each other with respect, cherishing each moment we have together. PLEASE pray for those families who have buried their fathers recently, such as Carina, and her 7 children spending their first Father's Day without their husband and daddy, Kay and her 6 sons who will be going through their 2nd Father's Day without their husband and daddy, and Josephine and her children and grandchildren who are still in the first MONTH of grief after the death of their husband, father and grandpaw. I know our heavenly Father is grieving with each one and longs to soothe their broken hearts. I praise HIM for HIS mercies that are new every morning. Thank you Father!
Grace and Peace,
Ruth Julia, Rachel, Ruth and Sarah Julia (not cooperating! LOL) Betsy (one of the graduates) and Sarah Mama Ruth Betsy (one of the graduates) Leila (sister of the graduate) playing croquet
I would like to take this opportunity to say "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" to a group of mothers. I am talking about the ones who have adopted children who needed a mother. We have known many adoptive parents over the years and have watched. And while each situation has been different in many ways, there is one thing that has stood out to us. Before I share what that is, let me digress (I know, I am good at digressing right out of the subject ) When you have a baby born to you, you immediately begin looking for all of the ways that show they 'belong' to you...daddy's one-sided grin, mama's large feet , Grandpa's dimple, etc. But as time passes you also note the 'other' things they have inherited that mark them as belonging to your family...a.k.a. good character traits...and bad ones too...which we call 'generational spirits' . Sometimes you are able to catch those generational spirits and 'head them off at the pass' before they get really in-grained in their lives. Sometimes in God's mercy, HE allows us to recognize, take responsibility for and confess and break the power of the generational 'stuff' in our lives and our child/children don't even have to deal with that particular issue. Hallelu YAH!! But, when you open your heart and home to a child from a different 'generational tree'...you don't even know what to look for...or when to look for its appearance. It is not as easy as some people make it look...and we have seen many heartbreaking scenarios over the years. Mostly, we have seen the adoptive mothers and fathers become much stronger in their faith as they walk through the 'fires' of raising children from different 'generational trees.' Please pray for the families you know that are walking this path. And today...I honor these mothers for their courage, love, and steadfastness in the job of training up and praying for the abandoned children.
Grace and Peace,
Ruth
Hello, again!
It has been way past busy. To begin with...my dear, dear husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary on April 2nd. We went to Pigeon Forge for a couple of days to celebrate. We drove and hiked/walked through Cades Cove. Bobby had never been before and the weather was cool and rainy...but we had a thoroughly enjoyable time! It seemed strange to be all by ourselves. When we married and left on our honeymoon all those years ago...Bobby's grandfather died suddenly and we turned around 4 days into it and came back for his funeral. Just before our first anniversary I planned a 2nd honeymoon get-away to Gatlinburg for some skiing and ice skating...it turned into "National Lampoon 2nd Honeymoon" in which Bobby tore his ACL in his knee and other various, NOW laughable happenings. We packed up and came home early. I tried, once again that next Sept. to plan a Labor Day get-away on a houseboat. 1-1/2 weeks prior I began to throw up...almost continuously...couldn't even keep water down...uh huh, YOU have already guessed what neither of us figured out...so we went to the doctor...who announced that not only were we expecting!!! but, I was VERY dehydrated and needed to be hospitalized. So, I learned my lesson and NEVER tried to plan another trip. You will understand, then, when my husband asked what I would like for our 25th...and I said, "I would like to go away." He answered, "ALONE?!?" "You REALLY want to try that?" LOL But, we did...and it was WONDERFUL! Our children were fine without us...frankly, I wasn't worried about them...I was wondering how Bobby and I would do WITHOUT them! After all they are our best helpers. Some of you know that Bobby bought me a hammered dulcimer to learn on a few years ago. I have played the flute since I was 9 and taught for a few years before children came along. With everything else that I do...I have been very slowly learning the dulcimer...but greatly enjoying the process. I had one set of hammers and a few books. When we arrived at the campsite and unhooked the van, we went to Townsend to the same shop where he bought my dulcimer. He proceeded to bless me with CDs, another set of hammers and new books! I don't think I have come down from the clouds since! We had planned to leave on April first, but when I went for my walk that morning...I was praising the LORD for the clear skies and the bees working...boy, they sure were loud...except their buzzing was coming from a different direction than the hives...wow, there were a LOT of bees on the ground over there...whoa! a whole lot MORE in the tree...HEY! that is a SWARM! CHILDREN! call DADDY! So, we spent the next couple of hours capturing a swarm. Over the past four weeks we have actually had swarms come through! We haven't caught all of them. Robert did catch some of it on tape and our youngest 3 captured two on their own. You can watch a short version on ENN' site. In other news, we held a Passover Seder on 4/20 and had 31 people for dinner! The downside was washing dishes afterward. Then we packed the coach Sunday afternoon and took off for KY to play a concert for Family Week...at Kennlake. We had wonderful fellowship with old friends and new acquaintances. Then it was back home on Monday evening...we had some good friends come and milk for us Sunday evening and Monday morning...to jump back into the 'fast lane'. I had forgotten we had 2 hives of bees we had ordered long before the swarms started coming in on Monday. Thankfully our USPS employees are used to the rural life and kept them for us until I could get there EARLY Tues. morning. Our middle daughter quipped..."God said He would give us a land flowing with milk and honey!" Truly HE has! HIS faithfulness and mercy are continually surrounding and astounding me! I am praising HIM daily. We are crying out for the Moll family in the death of Duane. We are also continuing to pray for the Estes clan! We NEED to dig in and pray more fervently...especially as we see the days approaching. With spring coming on (it has been in the 80's all week) we are planting and trying to get the roof on the new hay barn. Each day is a NEW day to send treasure on ahead...after we get there it is no longer possible to send treasure. Even though it seems like a 'no-brainer' sometimes we need reminded to be fruitful and work...for the night IS coming. May each of you be blessed!
Grace and Peace,
Ruth
Life has been MORE?!? full than usual...if that is possible. As an update our dear friends, the Foote family buried their husband, father and son, Doug, on Friday, March 14th. He passed away, never awakening from his 'coma' on Wed. the 12th. Doug and Ellen's oldest son came to know His Savior after his father went into the coma and is wonderfully exuberant in his new walk! He is telling EVERYONE! He was baptized yesterday. God is doing great and mighty things. At the same time, their family is mourning their separation from Doug. Their youngest daughter turned 12 this past Friday and wept for her daddy. We are also praying for the Fortin family. They have also buried their husband and father, without warning and young, leaving his widow with 7 children (3-18). Please join us in praying for them as well as continuing to pray for the Estes family. Little Noah is still struggling with his limitations. And Jeff and Kate need our continued prayers for strength, wisdom, discernment, peace and mercy. We had a wonderful time at Cowboy Church and arrived home to 'hit the road running.' We worked hard all week getting ready for the Purim party (read the book of Esther...from the Bible). We thought, at first we would have about 80-90 people...then by Friday, it had ballooned to 120-130 people. So, we made up more gift bags and added more food prep. On Friday, we received a call that a horse (Percheron) needed a new home and they were on the way here... He happens to be the 'half-brother' of our Percheron, so we know the horse a little. We had just got him settled in, when my dh said..."Oh! I forgot, some people are coming by to see our miniature jersey cows at milking time...tonight." Flexibility is a GOOD character trait...I think God thinks I must not have enough of it...so I tried to answer calmly...that it would be alright. By the time the people arrived neither my husband or I were at home...having to leave to pick up more supplies. Our children ended up showing the cows, giving 'horsey' rides to their child and handing out a child training book. LOL We did have a GREAT crowd, not only in numbers, but in people. We read through the entire book of Esther and had a wonderful meal, singing and fellowshipping. Our dear friends who travel back and forth to Israel for ministry spent the night with us and left after breakfast. After all that has gone on...and I haven't even shared half...we were exhausted. When I got up this morning...it was SNOWING! It didn't stay, just dusted the vehicles, trampoline, etc. So, after our Scripture, singing , Bible and prayer I sent everyone back to bed for 2 hours. I have never seen them RUN to bed that quickly. Of course, I think that is the first time I have ever sent them to bed in the morning! LOL When we got BACK up things went smoothly back into schedule. Now I am up too late again. We have NOT killed the roosters yet... ...maybe next week. Our son has prepared a special slideshow...hope it works and hope you enjoy it... I will try to write more later...oops! I mean sooner.
Grace and Peace,
Ruth
I won't appologize yet again for not posting for so long...you see...here at the Fleming family 'compound' real life takes precedence over "non-real-life"...like computers. It has been a very busy season. I am in the middle of planning my parent's surprise 50th anniversary party...in another state. As the oldest of four, my husband instructed me to 'spearhead' the planning...so, in obedience to him, I am ...well, doing my best to keep ahead of the deadlines! LOL We have friends going through the valley...one family losing their 23 year old son in a terrible car accident, and another where the 'papa' has a lingering and ultimately fatal disease. The 'papa' is in the hospital (the last place he would have wanted to be) in a medically induced coma to try to help his body heal from the double pneumonia which was causing his other major organs to shut down. There have been broken relationships restored through this 'crisis'. We are praying for patience and endurance for his sweet wife (and 7 children 12-30yrs. and 9 grandchildren). It is difficult to NOT give God 'deadlines' to remove the 'crisis' and to complete the work HE has begun in us...but we are trying. We are also continuing to pray for The dear Estes family. On a lighter note...I am getting more ready every day to butcher the TOO many roosters! After being chased by a cowardly rooster half-way up the drive I announced today...I am NOW READY! It will be a joy to make chicken soup! The flu has been raging all around us...but so far...most of us have avoided it. Our oldest and youngest sons (who are also buddies) contracted a very mild version of the flu. My secret weapon this year..on top of extra vitamin C and lots of water, fresh air, and rest (read on a much better schedule than normal!)...is my home-made "brew" of elderberry syrup. Here is the recipe: 1 cup elderberries in 3 cups water...bring it to a slow boil...put the lid on and turn it WAY down to SIMMER for 1 hour. Strain out the berries and add 1-1/2 cups raw honey, stir well and store in the refrigerator. Sometimes I add a Tbs. of the same ...dare I say it...whiskey...I use to make vanilla. I can honestly say we do not now, nor ever have even tasted whiskey...except as it is in certain foods. To make home-made pure vanilla...take 6 vanilla beans...break them in smaller pieces and place them in a pint size jar. Add 1 pint high quality bourbon/whiskey...not having a background in this particular field...I asked someone who owns a liquor store...who told me that the brand Maker's Mark is good quality...it also has a lower alcohol content which is why I chose to use this in the vanilla. Cap the jar and leave it in a warm/sunny window...shake it up every now and again. Usually about 3-6 months later you can see that it has darkened considerably and smells like good vanilla...then use it. The alcohol is necessary as a 'menstrum' (spelling?) to draw out the good qualities in the vanilla beans and also preserves it. Store bought vanilla had gotten so expensive and has added ingredients, such as sugar and water...that I learned how to make this about 7 years ago. I have not calculated the cost differences lately, but originally it was MUCH cheaper to make it myself...and I am fairly certain it still is. ANYWAY...to return to the original subject of elderberry syrup...I made everyone take 1-3 TBS. per day. BUT, if they felt a sore throat coming on or any achiness...I upped their amount to 1/4 cup three times per day...or 2 TBS every 2 hours along with vit . C, A, and E and echinacea. During our school day we also schedule 'vigorous exercise' time where, unless it is thundering and lightening or they are deathly ill, everyone MUST go outside and jump on the trampoline, ride their bike, run, play basketball, volleyball, badminton, row the canoe or boat, swim, trick rope, jump rope, or anything else that gets their heart rate up! It is only for 30 minutes, but I am sure it helps us stay healthy. Julia, our youngest daughter sometimes rides her bike down to the chicken coop to collect eggs in the basket and then rides back up a very steep hill. Our middle son has been honing his trick roping and can almost do a pretty impressive Texas skip...he has already mastered many other tricks...some a lot harder. We are getting ready to play and sing for Cowboy Church in Franklin, TN at the Tn Horse Fair one week from today. The next weekend we are hosting a Purim party in our barn. The weekend after that we are scheduled to play/sing/ give testimony at a church not far from here for their whole evening service. After that comes our 25th wedding anniversary...and I am already tired. That doesn't even include all of the every day things that come into play. I am sooo glad that our Heavenly Father's mercies are new EVERY morning. HALLELUJAH!! I am on my very first diet...I paid for it on the internet...but, it is working fantastically, and I feel much better. I am also walking for 30 minutes twice a day. I haven't been able to ride my Paso Fino, Mr. Groceries...yes, that is really his name. He was limping and we have tried a number of different remedies from the vet and naturally. Now we have put "rubber" shoes on him...I think it is helping...but I haven't gotten to ride...so don't know. Oops! I just realized I hadn't reset the clocks down here at the business...it is past my bedtime! I have got to go! Still working on the schedule...with a few bumps here and there. May God bless all of you richly as you walk humbly with your God, loving and serving your husband and families.
Grace and Peace,
Ruth
P.S. Here is the latest Fleming Family picture for the 2008 season of playing/singing taken this past Friday.
I am almost afraid to post! I haven't even turned on "my" computer in several weeks. The 'email computer' is in my husband's office at our textile business. My office is the front office and his is the 'inner sanctum'! LOL When I come to the office to do 'official' work...like the payroll or entering and paying the bills, I am usually on a tight time schedule and have to do my work and get back up to the house or off the property. The last time I posted I shared that 'things' had been coming into better order...and that included time management. In order to make a habit, as Charlotte Mason as well as a score of others have affirmed, you must do whatever the 'new' behavior is for more than 2 weeks...usually more like 30-40 days! We have been making excellent progress on a better 'get-up and go-to-bed' schedule as well as what gets done in the day. I also started a diet...my first. It is 'working' very well and the pounds are being shed. What has been interesting to me is that it has affected me spiritually and emotionally as well. Let me explain. On this diet, I 'get to' eat 6 meals per day. I don't count calories...but I stop eating before I feel full, while I am still a little hungry. In essence you are eating every 2-1/2 hours or so. I realized that I have relaxed. Knowing that I will eat again so soon...I can stop sooner and even if I feel a little hungry...I will eat again in a few hours. I am contented and don't need to keep eating. At the same time I had a GIANT stack of catalogs! I don't like to go out to shop...but I surely do enjoy browsing catalogs. Well, the Holy Spirit showed me I needed to get rid of that stack...so I did...in the trashcan! It felt so good...like more unwanted pounds coming off! I am also walking twice a day for 30 minutes each. Not your olympic walk, just a nice brisk-but-easy one. Sometimes Bobby goes with me and we have a nice talk/walk. Other times one or two of the children join me and we have one-on-one (or two) time. The times when I go by myself I have enjoyed generous outspoken prayer time. Our weather has been all over the board....yesterday mid-60's tonight low 20's! The forecast says snow showers and Bobby even consented to praying for a LOT of snow on the ground! (Will wonders never cease! ) There have been a lot of REAL life things to keep me on my toes too. My brother and his family came through on their way back up to Michigan and stopped for an overnight...all but their daughter had the flu. So, I made chicken soup and they rested inside while we took little Sarah Julia on a horseback ride and collected eggs and milked the cows. Our oldest son, Robert, had smoked a turkey and we had a full dinner...which Sarah and the rest of us enjoyed while their family reclined in the living room. They left for home still sick...but I understood...I like to be in my own home if I am really sick. I made up an elderberry syrup to dose our family. I forced everyone to take 1-3 tablespoons per day at first and if they started to feel 'flu-ish' or 'cold-ish' I upped their dose to 1/3 cup 3 times per day. No one so far has gotten anything like what our employees and others have had. Thank you Lord! We are getting calls for engagements to sing/play which means praying over the timing and 'if the answer is yes or no.' I would ask you to pray for the Boyd and Donna Hargraves family (we all began homeschooling together many years ago) as their 22 year old son Samuel was killed in a terrible accident on Sunday morning (Feb.23,2008). We will be going to the memorial service on Friday. He was their eldest son. Today is my sister's birthday as well as our 2nd son's birthday--he is 18...can't believe it! They grow so quickly. We are humbled and grateful to the Lord for sending Samuel to our family and quietly amazed at the Godly young man he is. When I come out in the early morning to go to my 'prayer closet'---which happens to be in the bus barn inside one of the buses.---he is already in his quiet corner chair reading his Bible and praying. Well, it is time for me to go and make his birthday supper...he has requested fried chicken (I rarely make this--2 times a year maybe), mashed potatoes and green beans. The children have a choice of a homemade cake or a bakery cake. We have a wonderful bakery that makes delicious...but, oh-so-bad-for-you cakes! LOL. Most of the children choose the bakery cake, but Samuel, year after year wants me to make a carrot cake for his. I made it this morning, and I am glad, because around lunch time the power went off...until around 2. I hope it stays on tonight. I hope I haven't rambled too much. I will try to post again...soon
Thank you for being patient with me.
Grace and Peace,
Ruth
) I am realizing I need to reorganize and get those 'summer jobs' under way. We had the best visit with my parents and family! The SURPRISE 50th dinner...was actually a SURPRISE!!
We got to visit with and meet many people.
My wonderful parents...married 50 years July 5th this year.
. The big question was how to get them back...WITHOUT putting them in Mama's bus. My dh is VERY ingenious and worked out a 2-cages-in-the-back-of-the-van-minus-the-back-seat-with-lots-of-plastic-sheeting routine! Oh! and of course duct tape played a very prominent part in the proceedings. 
Bobby and Sarah getting "Grace and Glory" loaded in her cage.
Bobby and helpers loading "Acceptance with Joy"
Julia holding "Mulberry Mischief"
An acappella number...
We are continuing to pray for 
It is not that I am loud, raucous, and out of control...but, I do tend to talk more than I should. So, this has been interesting. With all my heart I want to walk in agreement with my LORD. Psalms talks about Yeshua (Jesus) not even answering for good, but being quiet. So, I am studying to be quiet... When controversial subjects are brought up, when a decision is made (by my dh) that I might not totally agree with, and such occasions...I am trying to just BE QUIET. Now, if my husband asks me, then I speak up...but, even then I am trying to work on stopping to check my words before just blurting out what I think is better. In between times I have been spending more time just praying over all of my concerns and praising Him often. I have had GREAT peace. Just stating the fact that none of these circumstances have taken Yahweh (GOD) by surprise has given me comfort. We had a WONDERFUL time of fellowship at our meeting on Sunday afternoon...which was Shavuot. Our time of prayer was rich and encouraging. The singing was enthusiastic and lengthy. The teaching/sharing time gave me new things to meditate on. We had a new family come to visit, so it was also a time of getting acquainted. The food was delicious and enough and the children had loads of fun afterwards playing a rousing game of charades before everyone left. Our Julia took a tumble off of a horse and got a nick (read small chunk) of flesh off of the bottom of her chin. She also got what looks like a 'race track' across her left cheek...but she is fine. Thank you Father! I am humbled and reminded of His merciful faithfulness every time we have a close call. Thank you for all of the sweet comments. One of the 'things' is that my grandmother died early on Sunday morning. Because of our commitments we are unable to go up to Ohio for her funeral on Friday. The following Friday we are planning on being in IN for my parent's 50th anniversary SURPRISE dinner. We are hoping it remains a surprise. LOL I am the eldest of four children spread out in four different states. We are playing and singing this Thursday night here locally and again on the 4th of July for our town's Ford dealership gospel concert and fireworks. So...if I don't get to post again for a little bit...you will understand.
I KNOW I am not the only one out here that is running in 5th gear every day lately. My famous line is..."this has GOT to STOP!" I am definitely looking forward to this weekend. First, because tonight begins Sabbath...ahhh rest...that is a very sweet sounding word at this moment. And secondly, because Sunday is Shavuot or in the greek, Pentecost. The day we celebrate the coming of the Comforter (aka the Holy Spirit). It is also a Sabbath (read Lev. 23). So, I am once again reminded that our wonderful Heavenly Father KNOWS when we need a double Sabbath. A time to rest, study His word and fellowship with other believers. There are many 'things' going on right now. We have been spending a lot of time in earnest prayer. Please continue to hold up the 
Julia, Rachel, Ruth and Sarah
Julia (not cooperating! LOL) 
Betsy (one of the graduates) and Sarah
Mama Ruth
Betsy (one of the graduates)
Leila (sister of the graduate) playing croquet
) When you have a baby born to you, you immediately begin looking for all of the ways that show they 'belong' to you...daddy's one-sided grin, mama's large feet 
The downside was washing dishes afterward. 
Then we packed the coach Sunday afternoon and took off for KY to play a concert for Family Week...at Kennlake. We had wonderful fellowship with old friends and new acquaintances. Then it was back home on Monday evening...we had some good friends come and milk for us Sunday evening and Monday morning...to jump back into the 'fast lane'. I had forgotten we had 2 hives of bees we had ordered long before the swarms started coming in on Monday. Thankfully our USPS employees are used to the rural life and kept them for us until I could get there EARLY Tues. morning. Our middle daughter quipped..."God said He would give us a land flowing with milk and honey!" Truly HE has! HIS faithfulness and mercy are continually surrounding and astounding me! I am praising HIM daily. We are crying out for the 
We have NOT killed the roosters yet...
Other times one or two of the children join me and we have one-on-one (or two) time. The times when I go by myself I have enjoyed generous outspoken prayer time. Our weather has been all over the board....yesterday mid-60's tonight low 20's! The forecast says snow showers and Bobby even consented to praying for a LOT of snow on the ground! (Will wonders never cease! 