Do you ever get intimidated? If someone asked me that question, at first glance, I would say no. I'm pretty secure in who I am. I'm self-assured, self-confident. But, if I'm honest, I would have to admit that I can become intimidated by others very easily. Especially this time of year. Christmastime -- the season of perfection.
The past few weeks I have been visiting blogs I follow regularly, and some new blogs I've discovered, and as I read posts about preparing for Christmas and celebrating Christmas, I am in awe of what some of these women can accomplish. I scroll down through pictures of houses that look like they came from the pages of a magazine. And that was BEFORE they put up their Christmas tree(s). I see Christmas decorations that look absolutely stunning. I look at pictures of tablescapes and I read menus that are incredible. Christmas cookies that look like they were purchased in the finest bakery. Presents that look like they were all wrapped at a department store. And I think to myself, "wow, I wish my life was like that."
My house is not beautiful. It is a very plain 1968 ranch style house that, if I'm honest with myself I have to admit that I put very little effort into when it comes to "decor." Christmas decorations, I'm gonna go WAY out on a limb and admit to you that I didn't even put up a tree this year (GASP). Are you still with me?? My old one was really old so I got rid of it last year thinking I would buy a new one before this Christmas . . . and never got around to it. We left our outside Christmas lights up last year (all year long), so all we had to do was plug them in. Does that count?
I didn't even bake Christmas cookies this year, and the only presents I wrapped were presents for family members who do NOT live in my house. My kids wanted clothes for Christmas, and said it was ridiculous for me to wrap them up just so they could open them Christmas morning . . . especially since they were with me when I bought all the clothes. No Christmas morning anticipation here.
But now that I've told you all that, I have to say that we had one of the BEST Christmases ever. I had my family over for dinner Christmas Eve after candlelight communion at church. It was beautiful. And Christmas Day, BP and I and the kids, and both my sisters and their families were all together at my mom and dad's house. We ate, we laughed, we watched some old VCR tapes of when our kids were small. And we enjoyed being together. It was wonderful.
Ladies if you have EVER read or seen anything on my blog that intimidated you, PLEASE shrug that emotion right off your back and accept my apologies. I share my plain old ordinary wonderful life on this blog. My house gets dirty. My husband walks through the kitchen with mud/manure on his boots (now remember, I live on a real FARM). Sometimes I don't cook, and we eat Casey's pizza for supper. My laundry isn't always caught up. My shower, well, let's not even DISCUSS the state of my shower. Social Services might show up to take my children!
And you know what? I'm guessing that all of those blogs that I can be so intimidated by, well, I bet the house doesn't always look perfect either. I'm guessing they eat frozen pizza for dinner on occasion. I'm certain their laundry piles up. And I don't say that sarcastically, or to be disrepectful to those bloggers. I say that so that we can ALL just be real and know that none of us are perfect. We're all just doing the best we can with what we have. And if those blogging ladies were here guest posting on Down On The Farm I know they would say the exact same thing. Some of us are better at this or that, sometimes we can really outdo ourselves for a special occasion, but none of us, and I MEAN NONE OF US can do it all. When we are working really hard on one thing, we are letting something else go. And when you work outside the home, like I do, we have to let a LOT of "something else" go 'cause there are only so many hours in the day.
So ladies, while we're reading those blogs that show beautiful homes and amazing recipes, please keep it in perspective, and don't be intimidated. Don't let your head be turned by a life that God did not call you to. Looking at pretty houses is very enjoyable to me. But coveting something I don't have is sin. I love to eat, and I'm always looking for new recipes. But being stressed out and snapping at my children while cooking a "gourmet meal" that is supposedly for them, well, I don't think that's God's definition of a Proverbs 31 mom. Now don't get all legalistic and misunderstand me. I believe that keeping our homes clean and neat and organized and looking pretty is a very good thing. I believe that trying to prepare meals our family will enjoy is great. But like almost everything else we spend time on, these activities must be kept in perspective. Scrubbing your floor for the third time today does not earn you "heaven" points. A meal of bologna sandwiches served with love is better than a four-course dinner your family can't even enjoy because all you do is remind them how hard you worked.
I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, so I'm not making one. But I do believe that every new year is a chance for us to step back and take a look into our hearts and make changes in our lives. And one thing I'm going to work on for 2011 is focusing on making the absolute most of where God has put ME. To be the best wife and mom I can be. To let things go that don't matter, so that I can spend more time on the things that do. To enjoy every single SECOND with my husband and with my kids. The years go by so quickly.
So if you, like me, ever get intimidated by others, take a deep breath and SHAKE IT OFF. Because no matter what your house looks like -- no matter what you're having for supper tonight, remember that "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14. And don't you forget it ladies, ya hear???!!!
Down On The Farm with Robbin Griffith
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Gas Prices They Are A Climbin'
$2.85
That is the price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Central Missouri. Diesel is at $3.09 per gallon.
The reporters who keep saying there is no inflation, obviously aren't buying food and gasoline.
While I'm updating, I'm happy to share that we had a great time with our families over the weekend. We are so very blessed. It has warmed up a little bit here, with temperatures in the 30s. They are calling for rain the next few days, but they are also promising temperatures in the 50s! I think a nice warm rain sounds wonderful!
The kids are enjoying a week off from school. But we get baby turkeys tonight at 6 p.m. so they have been staying busy! Thanking the Lord for warmer temperatures, which definitely keeps our propane bill down. Propane is our biggest expense in raising turkeys. Those little birds have to be kept warm!
So, if you're one of the lucky ones with this week off, please enjoy it and enjoy spending time with your family. And, if you're like me and working every day this week, be thankful for being employed. There are many out there who would love to be working today, and can't find a job.
Hebrews 12: 1-2 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Lord, help us to run this race called life for your glory. Help us to keep our eyes on You, our hearts focused on You. And help us to always be thankful to You in every situation. I love You, Jesus. And I ask all things in Your name. Amen!
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Night Before Christmas
Tonight is the night before Christmas. But in the town of Bethlehem over two thousand years ago, it was just another night. A night that would change the world. Please take just a few minutes to watch this video and in your heart imagine that first "Night Before Christmas."
The Baby born that night was Jesus. A Baby born to be Savior of a lost world. He came so that you might live. He came to save you from an eternity spent in hell. He came because He loves you.
I am a child of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I am not perfect, I'm far from it. I was born a sinner, and I've made many, many mistakes. I've disappointed God more times than I can count. But praise the Lord I've been redeemed, I've been forgiven. I've been washed in the blood of the Spotless Lamb. The perfect sacrifice.
If you have never asked God to forgive you of your sins, never asked Him to be Lord of your life, please let today be the day of salvation. Don't put it off. Not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow. He is waiting for you. He loves you. Not accepting Him is rejecting Him. And unless you accept Him you can't spend eternity with Him in heaven.
If you do know Him, then take a moment to close your eyes and thank Him for all His blessings. No matter what may be going on in your life right this instant, if you belong to Him you are blessed and highly favored. You are more than a conqueror. Cast all your cares on Him, for He truly does care for you. Ask Him to open your heart for more of Him. Ask Him to help you decrease so that He can increase, so others will see Him in your life. Ask Him for His joy, which will strengthen you to withstand the attack of the enemy.
To anyone and everyone who reads Down On The Farm, I wish you the Merriest of Christmases. I pray for each one of you and for your families. I pray for health, I pray for safety, I pray for peace and harmony in your lives. I pray for your unsaved loved ones and ask that you pray for mine. I pray that God would pour out His Spirit upon you in a mighty way. I pray that you would be reminded daily how special you are to Him, reminded how much He loves you. I pray that He will make you a blessing to all those around you, and that His light will flow through you. And I pray that you will be blessed. I love each and every one of you. And if we never meet here on earth, I will be watching for each one of you when we walk those streets of gold!! Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
God With Us
Matthew Chapter One
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
At Christmas time most people, and most pastors, read the "Christmas Story" from Luke Chapter Two. The story is beautiful. My favorite passage is Luke 2:10-11, "Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
But Matthew gives us a different version. A more matter-of-fact version. And Matthew's version gives us two amazing passages.
The first is from Verse 21: And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.
The second is from Verse 23: Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”which is translated, “God with us.”
Think of that. Jesus will save us from our sins, and He will be with us. He will do both, at the same time, forever. He doesn't just forgive us once. He forgives us every time we ask. And He doesn't just forgive us from afar. He forgives us while dwelling in us. How can I explain the fact that He lives in my heart? I can't. I can only tell you that He is there. Have I ever audibly heard His voice? No. But has He spoken to me? Oh yes, many times. Have I ever seen Him? No. But I trust in the inspired Word of God that says Immanuel, God with us.
So as I prepare for Christmas, I am so thankful to God for sending His Son, Jesus, to Bethlehem so long ago. A tiny Baby who left the glories of heaven for a humble home on earth. From the Son of The King, to the Son of a carpenter. Destined for a death He did not deserve, all because He loved us.
Hebrews 12:2 says "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jesus knew why He was sent to earth. He knew He would be beaten, He knew He would be crucified, BUT HE KNEW HE WOULD REJOIN HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN. He endured the cross and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. And His desire is for every person to one day be in heaven with Him. Jesus has done His part, now it is up to us. Either we choose to accept Him, or we reject Him. Not choosing Him is the same as rejecting Him. Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Immanuel - God with us. Our Savior is with us. Thank You Lord that today You are with me. Thank You that You saved me. Thank You that You love me. I love You Jesus.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
At Christmas time most people, and most pastors, read the "Christmas Story" from Luke Chapter Two. The story is beautiful. My favorite passage is Luke 2:10-11, "Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
But Matthew gives us a different version. A more matter-of-fact version. And Matthew's version gives us two amazing passages.
The first is from Verse 21: And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.
The second is from Verse 23: Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”which is translated, “God with us.”
Think of that. Jesus will save us from our sins, and He will be with us. He will do both, at the same time, forever. He doesn't just forgive us once. He forgives us every time we ask. And He doesn't just forgive us from afar. He forgives us while dwelling in us. How can I explain the fact that He lives in my heart? I can't. I can only tell you that He is there. Have I ever audibly heard His voice? No. But has He spoken to me? Oh yes, many times. Have I ever seen Him? No. But I trust in the inspired Word of God that says Immanuel, God with us.
So as I prepare for Christmas, I am so thankful to God for sending His Son, Jesus, to Bethlehem so long ago. A tiny Baby who left the glories of heaven for a humble home on earth. From the Son of The King, to the Son of a carpenter. Destined for a death He did not deserve, all because He loved us.
Hebrews 12:2 says "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jesus knew why He was sent to earth. He knew He would be beaten, He knew He would be crucified, BUT HE KNEW HE WOULD REJOIN HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN. He endured the cross and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. And His desire is for every person to one day be in heaven with Him. Jesus has done His part, now it is up to us. Either we choose to accept Him, or we reject Him. Not choosing Him is the same as rejecting Him. Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Immanuel - God with us. Our Savior is with us. Thank You Lord that today You are with me. Thank You that You saved me. Thank You that You love me. I love You Jesus.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Bad News/Good News
As the old saying goes "I've got bad news and I've got good news -- which do you want to hear first?" Me, I always want to hear the bad news first and get it over with. So here is the bad news.
Today is the first day of WINTER. Winter means cold weather, and most people dislike cold weather. I mean, seriously, how many people do you know who go NORTH for the winter? Uh, nobody!
Winter means cold temperatures. Winter means snow. Winter means cold and flu season. The first day of winter means that it's gonna be a loooong time until you will be mowing your lawn and wearing short sleeves. January and February and March can be long months here in Missouri. Long and cold. That's some bad news, huh??
Now if you recall, I said I had some good news too. So here it is! Along with being the first day of Winter, today is the shortest day of the year. Shortest as in the day with the least sunlight and the most darkness of all the days of the year. Now you may be saying to yourself "I thought she said she had some good news?" But, that IS good news!!! Think about it. After today, the days will start to get LOOOONGER. Every day the sun will come up a little bit earlier in the East, and the sun will set a little bit later in the West. After today, every day brings us one day closer to warm sunny skies.
So today give thanks to the Lord that He gave us seasons. Only He would have thought to make the days longer and shorter, a few minutes at a time. And to make seasons that change. Our God is an awesome God!!!!!
Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork."
Today is the first day of WINTER. Winter means cold weather, and most people dislike cold weather. I mean, seriously, how many people do you know who go NORTH for the winter? Uh, nobody!
Winter means cold temperatures. Winter means snow. Winter means cold and flu season. The first day of winter means that it's gonna be a loooong time until you will be mowing your lawn and wearing short sleeves. January and February and March can be long months here in Missouri. Long and cold. That's some bad news, huh??
Now if you recall, I said I had some good news too. So here it is! Along with being the first day of Winter, today is the shortest day of the year. Shortest as in the day with the least sunlight and the most darkness of all the days of the year. Now you may be saying to yourself "I thought she said she had some good news?" But, that IS good news!!! Think about it. After today, the days will start to get LOOOONGER. Every day the sun will come up a little bit earlier in the East, and the sun will set a little bit later in the West. After today, every day brings us one day closer to warm sunny skies.
So today give thanks to the Lord that He gave us seasons. Only He would have thought to make the days longer and shorter, a few minutes at a time. And to make seasons that change. Our God is an awesome God!!!!!
Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork."
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Gift That Saves The Day
This Wednesday evening our church is having a blood drive. Many in our congregation, myself included, will be donating blood. The need for blood doesn't slow down just because the holidays are here. Blood is needed every single day. And, according to the American Red Cross, only about 3 in 100 Americans donate blood. The last time I donated blood I was a senior in high school. But Wednesday evening I will be rolling up my sleeve and donating blood.
What if I needed blood? What if my husband or one of my kids needed blood? My parents, my sisters, my nieces and nephews? Oh, how I would hope that somebody would take just a FEW MINUTES to donate blood.
So if you are wondering what you can do to "give back" this Christmas, I encourage you to donate blood. Check your local newspaper or go online. I am certain there is a blood drive near you.
In the words of the American Red Cross "The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood."
What if I needed blood? What if my husband or one of my kids needed blood? My parents, my sisters, my nieces and nephews? Oh, how I would hope that somebody would take just a FEW MINUTES to donate blood.
So if you are wondering what you can do to "give back" this Christmas, I encourage you to donate blood. Check your local newspaper or go online. I am certain there is a blood drive near you.
In the words of the American Red Cross "The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood."
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christmas Cards
I mailed my Christmas cards on Monday. I LOVE CHRISTMAS CARDS!! I really do love getting them, and I love sending them. It's like sharing a little bit of me with my family and friends. And when I receive Christmas cards, it makes me feel like someone is sharing a little bit of their life with me. This is our 2010 Christmas card:
This year I ordered my Christmas cards from Shutterfly. I was fortunate to be a part of a promotion Shutterfly was having for bloggers. I blogged about Shutterfly and was given 50 free Christmas cards. I can honestly tell you that these are the prettiest Christmas cards I have ever sent. The quality of the card stock, the sharpness of the pictures. I love everything about them. I can't wait for my friends and family to open up that envelope and receive our Christmas card this year. I hope it makes them smile -- and the pictures of the really cute kids are good too!!!
In the past I've ordered Christmas cards from Wal-Mart. The cards from Shutterfly are much better quality. Much more "substantial" feeling. The cards I've ordered in the past from Wal-Mart seem flimsy compared to these. (And just so you know, I've already received the 50 free cards from Shutterfly. This review of their cards is completely voluntary on my part, and totally honest! So there).
Next year I will be ordering my Christmas cards from Shutterfly. If you need any type of cards I can say from personal experience that Shutterfly IS the way to go. From selection, to ease of uploading photos, to the quality of the finished product, you will not be disappointed.
In the past I've ordered Christmas cards from Wal-Mart. The cards from Shutterfly are much better quality. Much more "substantial" feeling. The cards I've ordered in the past from Wal-Mart seem flimsy compared to these. (And just so you know, I've already received the 50 free cards from Shutterfly. This review of their cards is completely voluntary on my part, and totally honest! So there).
Next year I will be ordering my Christmas cards from Shutterfly. If you need any type of cards I can say from personal experience that Shutterfly IS the way to go. From selection, to ease of uploading photos, to the quality of the finished product, you will not be disappointed.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Grandma Nellie
My Grandma Nellie, my dad's mom, turned 97 this past weekend. Isn't she beautiful?
I am so blessed to have my both of my Grandmas. Both are 97. My Grandma Nellie lives with her daughter, my Aunt Ruby Dean. And all things considered she is doing wonderfully. We had a good visit this weekend. My Aunt had cake and ice cream and lots of family came by to with my Grandma Nellie a happy 97th birthday.
My Grandma Flo, my mother's mom, is now in a nursing home. This is the Grandma that was told she just had a couple of weeks to live . . . back in March! I guess the Lord isn't ready to take her home yet. I hate to say it, but she is failing. However, when I saw her at the nursing home just a couple of weeks ago, she called me by name as soon as I walked in the door, and she asked about my husband by name. That is a blessing to me. To know that she still recognizes me. Sometimes I wonder if she does, but on that day I knew.
Family is a blessing. I know there are times I have taken my family for granted, I'm sure we all have. But during this Christmas season make a special effort to let each person in your family know just how loved they are. You never know what tomorrow will bring. So don't wait. "I Love You" are the three most under used words in the English language.
My Grandma Flo, my mother's mom, is now in a nursing home. This is the Grandma that was told she just had a couple of weeks to live . . . back in March! I guess the Lord isn't ready to take her home yet. I hate to say it, but she is failing. However, when I saw her at the nursing home just a couple of weeks ago, she called me by name as soon as I walked in the door, and she asked about my husband by name. That is a blessing to me. To know that she still recognizes me. Sometimes I wonder if she does, but on that day I knew.
Family is a blessing. I know there are times I have taken my family for granted, I'm sure we all have. But during this Christmas season make a special effort to let each person in your family know just how loved they are. You never know what tomorrow will bring. So don't wait. "I Love You" are the three most under used words in the English language.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Caragan is Cloggin' Again
I miss school Christmas programs. Cole and Alex had programs every year. Christmas parties, field trips, all sorts of activities, and I was at every one of them. But I don't get to do that much anymore. My kids are in high school so no more programs or field trips for them. But last week my niece, Caragan, had her 6th grade Christmas program. It was great to see her and all the other kids excited about Christmas. I have to say I only knew one song they sang at the program -- a jazzed up version of Jingle Bells -- but I enjoyed it nonetheless because I was watching my beautiful niece. And I sat next to her handsome brother, Cade. He is a laugh a minute, and he never, repeat NEVER, sits still!!!
When you get a chance to go watch a family member do something, especially a younger family member, I hope you take the time to go. It means so much to them that you are there, and it is a memory you won't ever forget. Of course, I've had to miss things that my nieces and nephews have done. I've missed many, many things that my nephew who lives near St. Louis has done. But I really try to be at everything my niece and nephew that live around here do, at least everything I can attend. I want them to know how much they mean to me. How much I love them.
You will never regret time invested into the life of a child you love. So get on the phone and see what's going on with your family members. I'll bet they've got a Christmas program coming up very soon!!!
When you get a chance to go watch a family member do something, especially a younger family member, I hope you take the time to go. It means so much to them that you are there, and it is a memory you won't ever forget. Of course, I've had to miss things that my nieces and nephews have done. I've missed many, many things that my nephew who lives near St. Louis has done. But I really try to be at everything my niece and nephew that live around here do, at least everything I can attend. I want them to know how much they mean to me. How much I love them.
You will never regret time invested into the life of a child you love. So get on the phone and see what's going on with your family members. I'll bet they've got a Christmas program coming up very soon!!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
It Is Even A Vapor
On Sunday, November 28th, one of the people I work with took a walk with his mother. It was Thanksgiving weekend, and they were doing what most of us did, spending time together with family. I remember that Sunday well. That same day I had my family to my house for our Thanksgiving dinner.
Last Tuesday, November 30th his mother suddenly became very ill and was admitted to the hospital. Within a day or two she was on life support. Yesterday they took her off of life support and she passed away.
I am certain my co-worker has remembered that Sunday afternoon walk with his mother many times today and he is wondering, as any of us would, how this happened.
We tell ourselves that these situations aren't supposed to happen. She was a relatively young woman. Very healthy. It was so sudden. So unexpected. And yet, we forget what the Bible tells us about life.
In James 4:14 we read this: "[W]hereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."
A vapor. Life is even a vapor. We read that, and yet, we don't live as if we believe it. I know I don't. Not really. Oh, I tell myself that anything can happen. I tell myself that accidents happen, but secretly I believe they only happen to the "other guy." People die young every day, but both my grandmothers are alive and in their late 90s. So really, I think other people die young, but not in my family. So why don't I believe it? I mean, we are surrounded by death. By tragedy. And yet we think it can't happen to us.
We need to each be living our lives as if today were our last day on earth, and I am typing these words to myself more than I am typing them to anyone who may be reading this today. I find myself trying to remember the last time I saw my mom?? I mean, I've talked to her on the phone in the last couple of days, and she sent me a text last night. But when was the last time I SAW her, and told her how much I love her. She only lives about 10 minutes away from me and yet, I just don't remember how many days it has been since I've seen her? Three days, four days? So much can change in such a short time.
When my kids left for school this morning, did I tell them I loved them? Did I tell my husband I loved him before I left for work? I think I did, but I'm not 100% sure. And if something would happen to me today I would want them to KNOW just how very much I loved them.
Remember today as you go about your routine of working, taking care of kids, preparing for Christmas, whatever you are doing, that life is even a vapor. Here for a little time and then it vanishes. Remember what is truly important. Remember what lasts. And please remember this family in your prayers.
Last Tuesday, November 30th his mother suddenly became very ill and was admitted to the hospital. Within a day or two she was on life support. Yesterday they took her off of life support and she passed away.
I am certain my co-worker has remembered that Sunday afternoon walk with his mother many times today and he is wondering, as any of us would, how this happened.
We tell ourselves that these situations aren't supposed to happen. She was a relatively young woman. Very healthy. It was so sudden. So unexpected. And yet, we forget what the Bible tells us about life.
In James 4:14 we read this: "[W]hereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."
A vapor. Life is even a vapor. We read that, and yet, we don't live as if we believe it. I know I don't. Not really. Oh, I tell myself that anything can happen. I tell myself that accidents happen, but secretly I believe they only happen to the "other guy." People die young every day, but both my grandmothers are alive and in their late 90s. So really, I think other people die young, but not in my family. So why don't I believe it? I mean, we are surrounded by death. By tragedy. And yet we think it can't happen to us.
We need to each be living our lives as if today were our last day on earth, and I am typing these words to myself more than I am typing them to anyone who may be reading this today. I find myself trying to remember the last time I saw my mom?? I mean, I've talked to her on the phone in the last couple of days, and she sent me a text last night. But when was the last time I SAW her, and told her how much I love her. She only lives about 10 minutes away from me and yet, I just don't remember how many days it has been since I've seen her? Three days, four days? So much can change in such a short time.
When my kids left for school this morning, did I tell them I loved them? Did I tell my husband I loved him before I left for work? I think I did, but I'm not 100% sure. And if something would happen to me today I would want them to KNOW just how very much I loved them.
Remember today as you go about your routine of working, taking care of kids, preparing for Christmas, whatever you are doing, that life is even a vapor. Here for a little time and then it vanishes. Remember what is truly important. Remember what lasts. And please remember this family in your prayers.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Every year for Christmas I get all of the wonderful ladies I work with a Christmas gift. I can't spend too much per person since there are 9 ladies, but, I want to get them something nice. In the past I've bought them little Christmas plates, I've done candles, just a little something to show how much I enjoy working with them. Well, this year, I wanted to do something different. Something I'd never done for them. So, I decided to do a homemade gift.
I absolutely LOVE getting something that someone has made. I have made homemade items before and I know just how much love you put into something that you make for someone. So when someone gives me something that they made, well, it makes me feel pretty darn special. Special because I know they cared enough to give me something that they put so much time and effort into. Hey, making something homemade is hard work!
In doing some blog surfing I came across an amazing blog. It is called The Italian Dish and, if you visit, you will enjoy meeting Elaine and checking out her amazing recipes. She is a GREAT cook, and a photographer, so her blog looks beautiful! Turns out, she made homemade vanilla extract as party favors for her Christmas party last year and I thought the bottles looked so impressive, but were so easy to make, I knew I had to give it a go. For the exact details, please see Elaine's post, as she does such a beautiful job of giving you all the details for making this I won't begin to compete with her. I'll just show you pictures of MY homemade vanilla extract, and give you some tips I learned along the way.
First of all, I ordered the Boston bottles from Specialty Bottle just like Elaine did. I checked on ebay and some other sites but Specialty Bottle was the cheapest place I found. My sister and I went together on this little project so we ordered 30 bottles. That gave me bottles of vanilla extract for the ladies I work with, my sister bottles for the ladies she works with, a bottle for each of us and for our sweet baby sister, and a few extra for each of us to give to friends. I ordered the bourbon vanilla beans from Beanilla. Again, I checked locally but it was much less expensive to order the beans from Beanilla, and pay shipping, than it was to buy them at a local health food store. I ordered 25 beans. We split each bean down the middle from top to bottom, and then cut each of those in half, giving us four "pieces" per bean. That gave us three "pieces" to put in each jar. We then poured unflavored vodka into the bottles, put the lids on and let them set.
Elaine's recipe calls for the beans and vodka to steep about two months. We made our vanilla extract in October, so it has been not quite two months. About two weeks ago we were a little concerned that our vanilla extract didn't look quite dark enough, and didn't have a strong vanilla aroma. So I ordered 10 more vanilla beans, split them into four pieces and added one more piece to each bottle of vanilla (for a total of four pieces or one whole bean per bottle). That really has made a difference, and when I do this again, which I will, I will put four pieces into each bottle.
For the labels, again I followed Elaine's lead and ordered the lables from My Own Labels. It is a neat company with tons of really cute labels to choose from. After seeing how cute Elaine's bottles turned out I ordered the same labels she did and am very pleased with them. The labels we ordered had a minimum order of 24, and they come on sheets of 12 labels, so we ordered 36 labels. In hindsight, I wish we had ordered 36 bottles but, we will know for next time.
I absolutely LOVE getting something that someone has made. I have made homemade items before and I know just how much love you put into something that you make for someone. So when someone gives me something that they made, well, it makes me feel pretty darn special. Special because I know they cared enough to give me something that they put so much time and effort into. Hey, making something homemade is hard work!
In doing some blog surfing I came across an amazing blog. It is called The Italian Dish and, if you visit, you will enjoy meeting Elaine and checking out her amazing recipes. She is a GREAT cook, and a photographer, so her blog looks beautiful! Turns out, she made homemade vanilla extract as party favors for her Christmas party last year and I thought the bottles looked so impressive, but were so easy to make, I knew I had to give it a go. For the exact details, please see Elaine's post, as she does such a beautiful job of giving you all the details for making this I won't begin to compete with her. I'll just show you pictures of MY homemade vanilla extract, and give you some tips I learned along the way.
First of all, I ordered the Boston bottles from Specialty Bottle just like Elaine did. I checked on ebay and some other sites but Specialty Bottle was the cheapest place I found. My sister and I went together on this little project so we ordered 30 bottles. That gave me bottles of vanilla extract for the ladies I work with, my sister bottles for the ladies she works with, a bottle for each of us and for our sweet baby sister, and a few extra for each of us to give to friends. I ordered the bourbon vanilla beans from Beanilla. Again, I checked locally but it was much less expensive to order the beans from Beanilla, and pay shipping, than it was to buy them at a local health food store. I ordered 25 beans. We split each bean down the middle from top to bottom, and then cut each of those in half, giving us four "pieces" per bean. That gave us three "pieces" to put in each jar. We then poured unflavored vodka into the bottles, put the lids on and let them set.
For the labels, again I followed Elaine's lead and ordered the lables from My Own Labels. It is a neat company with tons of really cute labels to choose from. After seeing how cute Elaine's bottles turned out I ordered the same labels she did and am very pleased with them. The labels we ordered had a minimum order of 24, and they come on sheets of 12 labels, so we ordered 36 labels. In hindsight, I wish we had ordered 36 bottles but, we will know for next time.
Aren't these just the cutest bottles you've ever seen???? Won't they make AWESOME gifts??? And real vanilla extract is SO MUCH BETTER than the "imitation vanilla" that you buy at the store. And if you try to buy real vanilla extract, well, the price will definitely make you think twice. Making your own is much less expensive.
Now, a few things I learned. Like I said, in the future I will order one bean (4 pieces) per bottle. The vanilla extract is richer with 4 pieces than it was with 3. As to the labels, while I am really impressed with them, they were a little pricey. And, with their limitations, my sister and I weren't able to personalize the labels as we had originally planned. In checking Elaine's blog this year, she has made vanilla extract again. She used the same bottles, but bought Epson self-adhesive sheets and made her own labels. Very cute! Next time I will make my own labels. MUCH less expensive, and more options!
So, if you are looking for an easy homemade gift idea, I would highly recommend making homemade vanilla extract. Honestly, it's not too late to make them for this year. The vanilla extract will need to steep for awhile, but I am certain anyone you give these to will be very impressed and would be willing to wait for homemade vanilla extract. And be sure to keep one for yourself. It smells DELICIOUS!!!!! I can't wait to use mine for baking!
Please share any homemade gifts ideas you have given, or received! We're all here to learn from each other, so please comment!!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Sunset
On Thanksgiving Day we had dinner at my sister-in-law's house. We got home just before the sun went down and took a drive thru the pasture to check our cows and just enjoy the last few minutes of daylight. It was such a nice late afternoon. So peaceful. And so pretty.
My camera just can't capture how beautiful it looked.
Some days I complain a little, O.K. a lot, about living out in the country. All the flies, living on a gravel road, how I would love to have pizza delivery. But truly, driving through the pasture, and enjoying the beauty of the trees and the sunset, I was so thankful that I don't live where the only trees are in a park. And where the sunset is blocked by buildings. Where you are constantly surrounded by cars and other people and there is no such thing as silence. I truly was thankful that God put me on a farm in Central Missouri.
I've been to the big city. Chicago, New York, San Francisco. All three beautiful cities in their own way. But very crowded, very noisy, very busy. At our farm the only crowds are hungry cows crowding around a hay bale on a snowy day. A noisy day is at weaning time when the mama cows are bawling 'cause they are separated from their babies. Busy, is a day when we have four heifers calving, all at the same time.
Living life here at Down On The Farm isn't always easy. It isn't always fun. It isn't always comfortable. But it really is a wonderful way of life. A blessed place to raise a family.
Pizza delivery is highly overrated anyway.
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