Peace

May God's Peace be with you throughout the New Year!

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"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

Col. 3:15

Christmas in the Northwest!

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Winters Jewels

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The dawn of day was witness to,

a transformation of the land.

The night had seen the change unfold,

unique creations of His Hand.

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So many made, while slumber reigned,

no two alike, these crystals, white.

The billions softly touched the earth,

as breezes shaped them in the night.

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The frozen-cotton, covered boughs,

as rays of sun climb winters hills.

To see the splendor made by frost,

on window panes and window sills.

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The curvy mounds shaped 'round the trunks,

where blown about the feet of trees.

And leaves that peek through snowy white,

at wonderous winter scenes like these.

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Their lives so short; a day or week,

or season at the very most.

To disappear when spring is nigh,

like figment of a vanished ghost.

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But first they must adorn each twig,

and blade of grass and lowly weed.

Essential act required by some,

to germinate their precious seed.

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And map the many tiny feet,

of creatures that have braved the night.

With fan-shaped swirls at end of tracks,

where birds of prey have taken flight.

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To crown each post and stone and wall,

the royalty of winters scene.

Look down upon the snowscape, white,

approve each subjects bow and lean.

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Then melt to slush and hang from twigs,

and drip and drop like tear-shaped jewels.

The tiny trickles congregate,

to create icy winter pools.

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Returned to earth, from whence they came,

The same as you, the same as me.

Water to water, ". . . dust to dust",

perpetuates His Plan, you see.

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~Nevin Hawlman~

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"He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes."

Psalm 147:16

O' Come! Let Us Adore Him

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Luke 1:26-38

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Luke 2:1-20

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Matthew 2:1-12

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Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you and my the True Spirit of Christmas live in your heart today and every day in the coming New Year!

Winter

"Thou hast established all the boundaries of the earth; Thou hast made summer and winter." Ps. 74:17

Christmas trees and Cocoa!

Gentleman Farmer had the day off work on Thursday, so he and I decided to hop in the 'sleigh' and head to the hills for our annual Christmas Tree Hunt!

The day was sunny and bright, unlike many other years where we've "enjoyed" snow, rain, sleet or cold!

After searching for an hour or two, tromping through the acres of trees, we succeeded in our quest for the perfect tree. We've been coming to this same place for years, and we somehow always seem to find the "best tree on the place." I wonder how that works?It was a Noble Fir ( Gentleman Farmer prefers Nobles to the many other types available), the perfect height for the low ceilings in our home, and it was a lovely blue-green color! The lovely "Tannenbaum" was cut, tied to the rooftop of our 'sleigh' and then we dashed home with our treasure. Soon it will be adorned with festive ornaments and twinkling lights.

As we decorate our lovely tree, with the fire crackling and music playing, we shall have a steaming cup of hot cocoa! Not just any old premade cocoa mix, mind you! My favorite recipe is the one my Grandpa used to make for me; rich, creamy and sweet! Here is his recipe:

Grandpa's hot cocoa

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2 Tablespoons Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

2 (or more!) Tablespoons Sugar

Add just enough evaporated milk to make a thick paste

Continue to fill your cup a little more than halfway with the canned milk

Finish filling cup with boiling hot water.

Stir and enjoy with your favorite tree decorating partner! ;~}

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Here are some recipes for four flavors of homemade cocoa mix that make lovely Christmas gifts.

Just layer the ingredients in a pretty jar, add a ribbon and a tag with directions.

[On the back of the tag, add these directions; Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup boiling water. Store remainng mix in airtight container.]

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Mexican Cocoa

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup chopped Mexican chocolate (like Ibarra, found in the Hispanic food isle)

Cinnamon sticks

Makes 1 quart mix or 12 servings

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Peppermint Stick Cocoa

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon salt,

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

Makes 1 quart or 12 servings

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Mocha Cocoa

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup espresso powder

1 cup powdered milk

1 Tablespoon salt

1/2 bittersweet chocolate or miniature chocolate chips

Makes 1 quart or 12 servings

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Classic Cocoa

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup powdered milk

1 Tablespoon salt

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

1/2 miniature marshmallows

Makes 1 quart or 12 servings

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All this talk about cocoa has me craving a nice hot mug! Anyone care to join me?

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"How sweet are Thy words to my taste!" Psalm 119:103

I'm Dreaming.....

of snow! I would love to have a White Christmas, a rare occurance here on The Farm. Just a lot of rain. The drop in temperature last night and this morning's frost did set my mind to dreaming....

But until I see those lovely white flakes I will just have to content myself with making some snowflakes of my own. Perhaps you are like me and love the snow but seldom have much. Or maybe you have snow but still enjoy making snowflakes. Here is a fun little place to make as many as you like and even send a message along with them. Or just look at the ones others have made.

Let me know if you make any. I would like to take a peek at your creation. Have fun!

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"Though your sins are scarlet, They will be white as snow;"

Isaiah 1:18

Christening gown

A few weeks ago, we celebrated the dedication of our newest granddaughter to the Lord. It was a small gathering of family, grandparents and closest friends.

Daddy and both grandpas gave their thoughts and advice, read scripture and prayed for Morgan and her Mom and Dad.

Morgan, and her sister before her, wore the Christening Gown that I had sewn from the salvagable parts of my Wedding Gown. ( I had loaned it out and it was returned in bad shape ~ many stains and soiling. Having been raised by my Grandparents, and not having much money for my Wedding, my Darling[then future] Hubby bought me my Wedding Gown as his wedding gift to me. It was pictured in one of the Brides' Magazines back in the day!) Otherwise destined for the trashcan and only to remain alive in my memories and in pictures, I decided to create an Heirloom from a sad circumstance. I just could not throw away this precious gift.

So, here is what once was a Wedding Gown, now born again as a Christening Gown!

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Chantily Lace from the train of my gown.

Gown with more lace and underslip from satin.

Along the hem of the underslip, I have begun to embroider my name and Date of My Wedding, Raegan's name and Christening Date and Morgan's name and Christening Date. ( Not visible in photo.)

Hopefully, this gown will be passed on and names added to with other Grand Babies and even Great Grand Babies.

Pictures were taken by my dear Daughter, Michele, in the girls' sweet little bedroom sanctuary. Don't you just love the color of the walls and the beadboard wainscotting that Son-in-Love, Christopher did for his precious little girls.

There are a few useable pieces left from my gown, perhaps I should make a bonnet to go with the Christening Gown. I think it will be for the next grandbaby! *hint hint* (Shannon, if you are reading this, the hint is for you, too! *grin*)

"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

A Thanksgiving Wish

From all of us here at The Farm, we wish for you

Love (That supreme virtue)

Joy (Gladness of heart)

Peace (State of tranquility)

Patience (Tolerance and longsuffering)

Kindness (Concern for others)

Goodness (Moral and spiritual excellence)

Faithfulness (Loyalty and trustworthyness)

Gentleness (Grace of the soul)

Self~control (Don't eat too much turkey!)

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Happy Thanksgiving

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"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self~control." Gal. 5:22~23

Five Little Turkeys

Thanksgiving Fingerplay for children

Five little turkeys standing at the door,

One waddled off, and then there were four.

Four little turkeys sitting near a tree,

One waddled off, and then there were three.

Three little turkeys with nothing to do,

One waddled off and then there were two.

Two little turkeys in the morning sun,
One waddled off and then there was one.

One little turkey better run away,

For soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!

"Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

"Thanks For Fireside"

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,

Thanks for all Thou dost provide!

Thanks for times now but a memory,

Thanks for Jesus by my side!

Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,

Thanks for dark and stormy fall!

Thanks for tears by now forgotten,

Thanks for peace within my soul!

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Thanks for prayers that Thou has answered,

Thanks for what Thou dost deny!

Thanks for storms that I have weathered,

Thanks for all Thou dost supply!

Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,

Thanks for comfort in despair!

Thanks for grace that none can measure,

Thanks for love beyond compare!

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Thanks for roses by the wayside,

Thanks for thorns their stems contain!

Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,

Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!

Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,

Thanks for heav'nly peace with Thee!

Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,

Thanks through all eternity!

~

August L. Storm, 1891

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""in everything give thanks" I Thessalonians 5:18

Happy Birthday to the Man of My Dreams!

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"But the righteous man shall live by faith." Romans 1:17

Count Your Blessings

"Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done."

Here is a fun recipe I found. Perhaps you would like to try it and "Bless" someone with it.

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Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

Ingredients:

2 cups Bugles brand corn snacks

2 cups small pretzels

1 cup candy corn

1 cup dried fruit bits or raisins

1 cup peanuts or sunflower seeds

1 cup M&Ms brand chocolate candy

16 Hershey's Kisses

Directions:

In a large bowl, gently mix all ingredients except Hershey's Kisses.

Place 1/3 to 1/2 cup Mix in small cellophane treat bags. Add one Hershey's Kiss to each bag. Close bag with chenille stem or twist tie.

Make 16 gift tags with the following wording:

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

Bugles: Shaped like a cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance.

Pretzels: Arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country.

Candy Corn: Sacrifices of the Pilgrims' first winter. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.

Nuts or seeds: Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.

Dried fruits or raisins: Harvest gifts of our bountiful land

M&Ms: Memories & Memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future.

Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweeten our lives.

Cut out tags, and attach one to each bag.

Makes 16 Blessing Mix gift bags.

(Found at http://organizedchristmas.com )

"God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" Eph. 1:3

Let's Talk Turkey

Turkey was introduced to the early Pilgrim settlers by the Native American Wampanoag tribe after the Pilgrims arrived in 1620. The first year for the settlers was bleak, with many dying from the journey. Their seeds, aside from barley, did not produce any usable crops. The Indians assisted the settlers, introducing them to native foods such as corn and squash and showed them how to hunt and fish. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 at the behest of Governor William Bradford, and the Native Americans were invited guests of honor. Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States on October 3, 1863 via proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln. This was largely due to the lobbying efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey's Lady's Magazine who had lobbied for 17 years for the holiday. The proclamation declared the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. By 1916, Thanksgiving was referred to in writings as Turkey Day due to the popularity of the bird at the traditional feast. Interestingly enough, in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to move the official Thanksgiving date to earlier in November in order encourage a longer Christmas shopping season as a Depression recovery strategy. His idea was shut down by Congress, and the official date was declared permanently as the fourth Thursday in November via Public Law #379. The popularity of wild turkeys nearly wiped them out. The federal government stepped in with protection in 1991, and they are now found in 49 states.

(taken from "Thanksgiving Turkey History", by Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com)

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Turkey as Our National Bird

On July 4 1776, the First Continental Congress selected a committee to design the Great Seal of the United States of America. It was the task of three founding fathers: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson to select a political icon that best reflected the new country.
Benjamin Franklin used his legendary humor to rebutt John Adams nomination of the Bald Eagle simular to Germany's Imperial Eagle Sable. Franklin considered the turkey, not the eagle, as a fitting emblem for the Great Seal. To his dismay, Franklin's turkey was outvoted by a large margin. In a letter to his daughter he wrote:
"For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.
With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country....
I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a Red Coat on."
Brilliant artist and naturalist, John James Audubon though highly of the patriotic qualities of the turkey.
"Male turkeys can turn their heads red, white and blue by controlling the flow of oxygen to their heads while strutting."

(taken from "Turkey as Our national Bird, DCpages.com)

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~~Recipe~~

Great for turkey leftovers

Chicken/Turkey and Broccoli

Mix together 2 cans Cream of Chicken soup,

3/4 cup mayonnaise,

1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder,

1 teaspoon lemon juice.

Cook 2 pkgs. frozen broccoli.

6 chicken breasts, cooked, cooled and sliced (or use leftover turkey)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (we like more!)

Layer broccoli, chicken or turkey, sauce and then cheese.

Bake 350* approx. 30 minutes.

I serve with fluffy white rice and a waldorf salad.

Enjoy!

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"Praise the LORD! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created. Praise the LORD from the earth, sea monsters and all deeps; fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars; beasts and all cattle; creeping things and winged fowl; kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; both young men and virgins; old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted," Psalm 148:1a, 5, 7-13

To Grandmother's House We Go!

"Over the river, and through the wood,

To Grandmother's house we go;

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh

through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,

Oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose

As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,

To have a first-rate play.

Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding"

Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood

Trot fast, my dapple-gray!

Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound,

For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood-

And straight through the barnyard gate.

We seem to go extremely slow,

It is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood -

Now Grandmother's cap I spy!

Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!"

~by Lydia Marie Child~

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For the last few years, we have been invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with my 1st Son-in-Love's Grandparents. They are a dear, sweet Christian couple who have included us into their family. She does all the cooking ( with help from her daughters ) and this year has asked that my only contribution be something to drink. So I will be bringing some of our home squeezed apple cider! Some icy cold and some spicey and hot!

I would like to share a recipe that is an easy, delicious treat for the holidays or other special time. It is for "Candied Nuts". These have been such a hit with so many people, I included them in the baskets at my youngest daughter's "Picnic" wedding reception.
I had kept this recipe "secret" up until a year or so ago. So many people asked for it, I finally gave in. I had gotten it from a chef at a Bed and Breakfast. I hope you try this lovely sweet treet. ( It makes nice little gifts when packaged in lovely little bags tied up with ribbons!)

"Candied Nuts"

1 lb. nuts (pecans, walnuts, cashews, almonds)

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Toast nuts on cookie sheet in hot oven until the smell of nuts fills the kitchen! ( approx. 5 min.)

Remove pan to cool.

Stir together sugar, cinnamon, salt and milk in a large saucepan.

Cook over meduim heat for 8 minutes or until 236* F

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla immediatly.

Add nuts to sugar mixture and stir to coat well.

Spoon onto waxed paper. Separate nuts with fork.

Cool.

Enjoy!

"take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds." Gen. 43:11

"How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

Ps. 119:103

Giving Thanks

This week, Monday through Thursday, I will be joining Kelli and her "Giving Thanks" Celebration. (If I can figure out how to do a Mr. Linky?!) If you wish to participate, go to her blog and check it out.




I had already put a list on my sidebar of things I am thankful for; one for each day of November. Thirty days just doesn't begin to be enough. My list would be so long!

What are you thankful for?

"O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting." I Chronicles 16:34

Honoring Our Nations Veterans

A Soldiers Psalm

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilience. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the LORD, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down. Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My slavation."

Psalm 91

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This post dedicated to SFC Janner T. Morgan now serving in Iraq

Thank you J.T

God be with you

Award!

I have created this little award to be given to the best mother I know. She has the two most adorable little girls. If they were old enough, I'm sure they would say that they have the most "terrific mom" around. Check out her blog and I'm sure you will agree. This award goes to Michele at:

www.thebrowningsgreenhouse.blogspot.com

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"Her children rise up and bless her..." Proverbs 31:28a

God has not left the building!

Like all good U.S. citizens, I did my duty. I voted. Few, if any of the people that I voted for made it to office. But I have another obligation as a citizen of heaven~I am to pray for those placed in authority even if I don't agree with them. As a Christian, I am commanded to pray for them. I am not to fear government ~ it is a gift from God. I choose not to wring my hands and lament that all is lost. God has established governments. They are ordained by Him. He is still in control. "God still rules ~ even over this earth. God has not abdicated His throne; He is riding triumphantly in His own chariot." (J.Vernon McGee)

Tuesday, I prayed then voted. I have voted and now I need to pray. Won't you join me?

"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will recieve condemnation upon themselves." Romans 13:1&2

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior." I Tim. 2:1-3

" Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right." I Peter 2:13

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

Pray First, Then Vote

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

~~II Cronicles 7:14~~

Pileated Woodpeckers

I heard their familiar call first. Their comical dance in the tree tops then caught my eye. They let me get very close so as to observe their brunching in the apple tree. They teased each other and giggled like love struck school kids. When the one was finished, he swooped down and away from the tree, nearly colliding with my head, shouting a loud "kik~kik~kikkik" as he went. The other finished the apple she was eating and proceeded to another. When she had finished sampling yet another apple or two, she quietly flew in the opposite direction and into the forest. They will be back as is their fall and winter habit to visit The Orchard for a fruity meal now and again. I will be looking forward to their next occasion to dine with us.

"He has brought me to His banquet hall and His banner over me is love. Sustain me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples..." Song of Solomon 2:4&5

The Walk

My walk takes me down that comfortable old country lane, the gravel crunching beneath my feet. I am greeted by a multitude of tiny birds who scatter as I interrupt their choir in the hedgerow. The wild roses reach out to me offering their ornaments of ruby hips as vicissitude for their now forgotten blooms. As I pass a neighboring farm, a chattering company of geese voice their displeasure at my appearing. I swiftly give my apologies and press on toward my goal.

The lane opens onto a narrow roadway at which I must make a decision. Shall I turn to the right and follow in the familiar footsteps of my previous wanderings, or venture forth on a less amicable march to the left? I choose the latter.

My feet become a metronome as they pound out a new tempo on this smooth uninterrupted foundation. I traverse past overgrown fields and a gurgling stream as it trips and splashes merrily on its journey to the bay. A hillock rises up before me; it's trees, robed in resplendent glory, beckon me forth with their rich colors of gold, copper and scarlet. My step begins to slacken as I accept the challenge and the rhythm in my chest beats more loudly, my breathing becomes laboured. I am like the determined caterpillar who inches along before me, drawn to that unknown time and place. My ascent is joined by the momentary rustling of leaves in the ditch beside the way. Then all is silent, he has turned another way. Scattered here and there are the faces of the few remaining wildflowers untouched by the early autumn frost. Sunny yellow buttercup, lavender hued clover and others wave their goodbyes with the promise of return come spring. A dog barks in the distance and is answered only by his echo. The soft swishing of wings and honking of geese overhead remind me of the season and the awaited reprieve about to make her entrance.

As I attain the crown of the hill, I am rewarded with the sociable nickering of a grazing mare. She nods her approval at my approach and then retreats to her pleasant repast. My pulse and my gait return to that familiar meter, placing one foot in front of the other. The hearth of a nearby home conveys it's smoke in lazy drifts heavenward, like the prayers of a drowsy child. I,too, am growing tired but thankful. Only a little further now.

The air becomes still as the light begins to fade. I feel a sense of urgency as I anticipate that familiar, gentle voice I have longed to hear this day. My pace quickens yet again as I step nearer to the horizon. It is then that I see him. He is awaiting me~he bids me come. Without hesitation I reach out and take his outstretched hand. He whispers that he has been waiting for me and he leads me safely home.

"Walk in the manor worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." I Thess. 2:12