Nov. 30, 2006 - November 30, 2006

We're back! My husband, daughter, dearest friend, and moi, took this mega trip which began in Northern California and found us traveling to Gurnee, Illinois then to DC, WIlliamsburg/Jamestown, Charlottesville, Gettysburg, Maryland, DC, then home again home again jiggety jig.

Our time in the Chicago  (Gurnee) area visiting family was wonderful! Renewing and deepening family ties is priceless and these particular family members are so very special to my heart. Kindred spirits through and through.

After Chicago we flew to Washington DC and began our historic tour...the 2nd in 2 years! We began by driving to Williamsburg and enjoyed the colonial history, melt in your mouth brie from the Cheese Shop, colorful and crunchy leaves on the streets and sidewalks, holding hands, historic cemetery, living history.

Jamestown is an excellent visit and one to consider for the 400th anniversary in 2007!  The new visitor center is full of excellent educational considerations, and the living history of Indian and settler alike brings one back in time. The ships are amazing.

Charlottesville and Monticello (Jefferson's home) came next. Truly, Thomas Jefferson was a man of great intellect and insight! I especially loved taking my time in the gardens then with my dear hubby walked to the Jefferson Cemetery and through an autumn tree laden path, to the main center.

Always make time to drive the backroads! We planned for this and were not disappointed. From Charlottesville to Purcellville we meandered on country roads and saw true Virginia rather than the cement/vehicle jungle of some eastern portions near DC. What beauty! Add to the experience 'worship music' on the CD player and you have the makings of a lovely drive.

Purcellville is the location of Patrick Henry College. We visited the Admissions Office and were given a mini-tour of the main building, a couple classrooms, and the general layout of the campus as well as future plans. Our dear friend attended Strategic Intelligence Camp this summer so he was able to help us aquaint ourselves better. Excellent college. Wow.

From Purcellville we remained on backroads for the most part to find our way to Gettysburg. Before making our way to our B&B (Hickory Bridge Farm B&B) we stopped to eat at the historic Dobbin House. Shrimp Bisque for me, French Onion Soup for hubby, full meals for daughter and dear friend. Full and satisfied, we made our way to the B&B and felt like we were coming home. Our last visit we stayed here as well - we highly recommend it. hickorybridgefarm.com We housed ourselves in the 2nd floor of the Old Farmhouse, with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms - privacy and coziness.

The last visit to Gettysburg found me a victim at Little Round Top. I was looking up at a memorial rather than down where my feet were taking me - which was off a curb of sorts twisting my ankle badly. This visit I looked down and was successful in seeing the entire memorial area of Little Round Top w/o incident.  Our tour cd was for 2 hours but based on our interest level and time taken outside the car, it was stretched to 4.5 hours ~ and worth every moment.

From Gettysburg we traveled to Lititz then Intercourse I found the sweetest shop in Lititz called Seasons. Everything made in the USA by people the owner personally knows, and even by the owner herself! Pottery, penny rugs, hooked wool designs, linens, hand dyed wools (which I bought and tucked away in my luggage). Lititz is a charming little town I long to visit again. I especially enjoy the Quilt Museum in Intercourse ... lovely designs and an excellent gift shop with amazing creativity to choose from.

Next was Ellicott City, Maryland where we stayed with hubby's sister and family. Our welcome was sweet and lasting. We spent 2 days relaxing and rejuvenating while also enjoying Annapolis for a few hours one day. The other days spent there were in DC but coming 'home' to rest in the evening.

DC held all our main points of interest, from a Capitol Tour to memorials, monuments, museums and more. The Christian heritage of our precious nation is real and 'everywhere'! The In God We Trust Tour Guide was an eye-opening help in understanding how this nation truly started and the Godly thread permeating its existence. This guide is necessary when visiting our nation's capitol. Necessary.

One of my favorite places while in the DC area is to Mt. Vernon, George Washington's estate. I feel so *at home* there. I wonder if they'd allow me to take up residence for a while - say, 20 years...? The new visitor center is awesome and will make your couple hour visit more like a good part of your day. Worth it ~ plan for it!

After 15 days of travel we made our way home to Northern California. While we loved our journey and wanted it to continue for a myriad of reasons, it's always good to be 'home' and in our own beds, eating our own food, pitter-pattering our own floors, streets, stores.

Hubby and I are seriously praying about taking a group of home educated high school students to DC. Pray with us to see if this be God's will.

Oct. 28, 2006 - October 28, 2006

To read while flying to Washington DC for our upcoming vacation I bought a book through CBD; Bevery Lewis' newest in the Annie's People series, The Brethren. It arrived the other day and it was all I could do to not open it. I read the back cover then flipped through the pages, ever so slowly. But my daughter caught me in the act of sneak-reading and admonished me, threatening to hide it til November 3. She knows her mother! Well, November 3 won't come soon enough. While an easy read and certainly do-able in a 4 hour flight, the real problem I have is that this is the *last* book in this particular series.

I want the story to continue. It has consumed me.

For the return trip I found an original volume of The Harvester by Gene Stratton-Porter who also wrote A Girl of the Limberlost, Freckles, and The Song of the Cardinal. Stratton-Porter dedicated The Harvester to Henry David Thoreau, with the words...

"This portion of the life of a man of today be offered in the hope that in cleanliness, poetic temperament and mental force, a likeness will be seen in Henry David Thoreau."

~~~

I had the opportunity to 'go away' for a night with friends I've spent time with for an afternoon once a month for 10 years. They're from church and we began a 'sister circle' of sorts. We're all so different and bring an eclectic mix to the table which is always laden with a bounty of food. Conversation flows as to the path our lives have taken, are in the midst of taking, the sorrows, times of joy, husbands, children, loss of dear ones, challenges and more. We hold each other accountable as unto the Lord. We pray for one another and hold to our hearts what is discussed and prayed over.

So, yesterday afternoon began the trek to Susi's Tree House Annual Sleep-Over of Middle Aged Chickies, aptly named Susi's Tree House for her home has the feel of a nest in the trees. Plate-glass window views give those in residence a hint of what birds enjoy,

except we need reading glasses to fully enjoy it! 

Arriving safely, we scoped out our favorite sleeping spots and began our tradition of the bonding of kindred spirits, picking up where we left off. Friday night included appetizers, cake, joking and giggling, a romantic comedy movie, pajamas, no make-up, a visit from Susi's fiance who happens to be perfect for her - we approve, then sleep at 11pm.

I woke early and slowly got ready, careful not to wake the other ladies. One by one the others woke and padded downstairs to the kitchen. French Press coffee. Lots of it. Devotions. Breakfast. Time taken to share prayer requests - both verbalized and silent requests. Time for prayer...sitting at the throne of our King...knowing He and He alone can answer our heart's longing, keeping us on His path.

He is faithful and able.

He is our God.

Our everything.

<><

~~~

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire,

And fulfill all your purpose."

Psalm 20:4

Oct. 13, 2006 - razzleberry pie & clean laundry & the sniffles

It's most definitely autumn in Northern California! The leaves on our trees are turning yellow - some with a hint of orange and red. This evening I had the doors open to invite the cool inside. My daughter and husband were bundled up warm and are ever so forgiving about my 'always warm' body state.

Power surges come to mind.

One of my errands this afternoon was for a friend - to pick up a sour cream apple pie from Marie Callendars. It will be delivered in its entirety tomorrow. Really. Golly gee...the pies were on sale for $5.99 so I just **had** to buy a razzleberry pie...right? Right. Besides, it would make my hubby so happy.

After a supper of salad, chili and cornbread, we cleaned the kitchen and began laundry. I love the sound of laundry being cleaned. If you read back a number of posts, I also love hanging clothes on the line to dry. There's nothing like crawling into a bed of line-dried sheets. The smell...heavenly.

My daughter and I are at the tail-end of our sniffles. Much of this week was spent resting and doing only that which was necessary. Tissues infused with lotion are such a treat.

Oh, and the razzleberry pie? Delicious.

Sweet blessings for your weekend...

"Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..." 2 Cor 10:5

Sep. 18, 2006 - Time flies...9/18/06

Summer passed so quickly with nary a mention of the upcoming autumn. While summer is not my favorite month, it does seems to be a family-busy month complete with gardening, visiting with loved ones, closing the school year and preparing for the upcoming year, wasp watching, hummingbirds supping, bbq's, picnics, camping at the beach, re-evaluating our lives, etc.

Autumn is peeking in and whispering of apples and cinnamon sticks, pumpkins and pot pies, cider and brisk night-time walks with my hubby and daughter. Autumn *is* my favorite season. I seem to come alive when the weather turns a bit chilly. Here in the Sacramento area it doesn't nearly get chilly enough for my taste, nor as soon as I'd like it. But the short autumn we experience is pure joy to me. Even in seasons, our Lord has our pleasures in mind. How very considerate He is.

My daughter is in her last year of high school which began earlier in the month. Algebra II and Chemistry are her only core classes. Add to that Inductive Bible Study and continuing to work as a lifeguard a couple mornings a week as well as assistant coach for an 'under 6' boys soccer team and it makes for a full schedule. How lovely a young woman she's becoming. How devoted she is to our King - she's a true princess.

Bless you sweetly as your autumn brings apple crisp and rest to your souls.

Jun. 16, 2006 - June 16, 2006

"But we all, with unveiled face,

beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Liord,

are being transformed into the same image

from glory to glory,

just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

II Corinthians 3:18

~Allow Me Entrance to Your Heart~

 My people, be watchful and deep in prayer. I cannot mold you and shape you and perfect you unless you provide Me the opportunity to do so. I can only minister to the needs of your soul when you allow Me entrance to the hidden places of your heart...

Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts

How often, we as Christian women/wives/mothers, expect our Lord to work in our hearts yet don't give Him adequate time, attention, communion for Him to do that work in us. How often we squander our time and energies in idle exercises of the mind rather than supping with Him the Creator. We offer crumbs to those we love most while eating cake with that which is unimportant in the greater scheme of things. We allow small issues to crowd and muddy our otherwise clear minds and tender ways.

Let us today...now...stop what we're doing and be with Him who loves us most, allowing Him to renew, restore, rejuvinate, and fill our lives with His compassions, strength, serenity, and beauty. Let us stop bickering and finding fault with one another.

Let us consider His ways in all things, His response and His actions. Let us set the tone for our homes...*make my home a haven of love and rest* rather than strife and toil. No excuses...we set the tone by the response of our hearts. Let us be transformed this day and glorify Him in all we do, say, and rest our hearts upon.

Bless you all this day. 

May. 24, 2006 - May 24, 2006

May. 22, 2006 - May 22, 2006

"The Lord will guide you continually,

And satisfy your soul in drought,

And strengthen your bones;

You shall be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water,

whose waters do not fail."

Isaiah 58:11

"...Behold, My hand is upon you to bless you and to acomplish all My good purpose. For **this hour** I have prepared your heart, and in My kindness I will not let you fail. Only relinquish **all** things into My hands; for I can work freely only as you release Me by complete committal - both of yourself and others. I will be your sustaining strength; and My peace shall garrison your mind. Only **trust Me** - all I do is done in love.

Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts

May. 18, 2006 - May 18, 2006

"Thanks be to god, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

                            I Corinthians 15:57

"O My child,  have I ever failed you? Have I ever turned my back on you, or forsaken you? Have I not been your refuge and your strong defense? I have protected you and kept you in sickness and in health. Yes, I am with you to help you now. Fear not. My purposes will be fulfilled in spite of your weaknesses, if in your need you rely on My strength. My will shall be done regardless of the flaws in your life, if you count on the power of My righteousness. I do not work only in cases where there are no obstacles; but I glory in overruling the prevailing circunstances, and I take pleasure in bringing victories in those places where no victory is anywhere in sight."

         Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts

May. 17, 2006 - May 17, 2006

"In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."  Isaiah 30:15

O My child, I have chosen you for Myself, that I may make you an instrument of praise in My hand. I will bring forth from you a melody of praise and rejoicing and cause the harp strings of your soul to vibrate with a joyful song. Bless Me with your lips, and whisper My Name in adoration...

                     from Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts

So often we lose sight of what the Lord really wants from us. Busy-ness, idleness, or restlessness get in the way of Him working in our hearts and as a trickle down effect, the hearts of those around us, namely our children. Let us not forget to be that ready example for them. They're watching us! How do we go about doing that? By staying in the Word, allowing His precious Holy Spirit to permeate our lives. By maintaining an attitude of praise and thankfulness for every thing...even in the challenges we face. May His Name be continually praised!

This morning, may we begin anew to love Him with our whole heart, glorying in His presence, in the presence of our King. Selah.

**special thanks to gentletreasures.net for the graphic used**

May. 16, 2006 - May 16, 2006

"One thing I've learned is that God sometimes uses the smallest gestures of kindness to touch a life...ease a broken heart, or light a spark of hope."  Barbara Johnson

On Saturday we were at Costco and while making our way through the check-out line, were met with a big smile (a mouth *and* eye smile!) from the checker! Up to that point I've never been the recipient of a smile from a Costco employee. But Saturday was different. She mentioned that so many customers walk through her line never smiled. But she said I had an infectious grin and she responded in kind. I didn't even know I *was* smiling. How 'bout that? I blessed someone's day without even knowing it was going to happen.

May. 12, 2006 - May 12, 2006

My daughter turned 16 yesterday. It seems like yesterday she was a babe in my 'nervous momma' arms. I'm so much more comfortable now and I'd like to do it all over again so as to *not* be nervous! She has a certain maturity that blesses me. Her main devotion in life is to please Jesus Christ, living a life for Him...totally and completely. She is a ready and constant example of living life for the King. How blessed we are to be given such a gift of a child. <><

The Spring Formal (for homeschool students in our area) is this evening. The reason I've been tired (see my earlier post) is due to the planning the food/cooking for this event....for 130. That's alot of food. That's alot of planning. Logistics are intense when it comes to catering. It's a science, I'm sure of it. Finally, a science I'm good at! My 'knight' is grilling the chicken for this event. I'm so thankful to him for that! He's an ace griller man! The students will be thrilled with his skill.

My daughter will be lovely in her ice blue gown. Cinderella-like. She's a sporty girl who is feminine as well. Tonight she'll be beautiful. And her father will be very protective!

What will I wear to the formal, you ask? Golly gee, I'm on kitchen duty so I'll be wearing sturdy shoes and comfy clothing that can take the heat. Not exactly princess like. More of Kitchen-Queen. Hmmm. I'll wear my pearls!

In addition to food logistics, life goes on and needs have to be met within one's family life: cleaning, laundry, a listening ear, a shoulder, cooking (for family), keeping in touch with family, etc. These things all take time and require a certain amount of discipline (the cleaning and laundry anyway)...and grace. It's necessary to determine what is truly important at the time and keeping view of the big picture as well. Another science in my opinion...lol!

Blessings to each person who takes time to read my little blog entry. May the love of our Lord Jesus Christ touch your heart today. May His face shine upon you. May you know the degree of His infinite love towards you...and be blessed. Selah. <><

May. 9, 2006 - May 9, 2006

I'm tired - both mentally and physically - and in need that 'comfy spot' on the Lord's lap...that's where I want to be. Today I seek Him as so many needs and commitments press. He'll receive me in mercy, restoring me to strength. I know this to be true.

May. 4, 2006 - May 4, 2006

"Ode to Spring"

Whispers of beauty

Dragonflies, racing the wind

Springtime colors dance

Whippoorwill sings lullabies

Butterfly wings, applauding.

~ Theresa Bailey Deloshmit

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While the spring air is crisp in the early morning hour I hang our laundry on the line. I recall the sweet smell of freshly laundered sheets from my mother and great-grandmother's homes and continue this tradition in my family. Most of our laundry goes on the line, weather permitting, typically April through September. There's something so soothing and peaceful about sheets, shirts and socks billowing in the breeze.

Do you hang linens? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

May. 1, 2006 - May 1, 2006

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd;

He will gather the lambs with His arm,

And carry them in His bosom,

And gently lead those who are with young."

Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV)

How precious He is to think so dearly of us, His children. In the same way we are to consider His gift(s) to us...our children. We are to gently lead them in His ways, nurture them by following His example toward us, loving them unconditionally for His name sake.

~~~

This being my first blog entry, perhaps I should share a bit about myself:

I am 48 and live in Northern California. I am wife to a tender husband, mother to a sweet daughter, and staff to a spoiled cat. Like certain couples in the Bible, the Lord gifted us with one child. We consider her to be a gift, precious in His sight

and worthy of holding gently and dearly.

We live in what I like to refer to as 'a cottage', complete with a soft comfy furnishings in white, soft yellow, and trickles of blue & red. Our gardens meander from one outdoor room to the next; arches, gates, seating spaces and raised vegetable beds inviting one to take time to contemplate God's handiwork in nature.

Come December we'll begin our 11th year homeschooling and look forward to our daughter's graduation next June...waiting on what the Lord has planned for her future...in His way and in His time. We've used various materials/approaches in our home school adventure but especially enjoy a non-textbook living approach to English and History. We've always used texts (Apologia and Saxon) for science and math.

I hope you'll visit my blog from time to time. More entries will be posted as I have time.

Tenderness in Christ Jesus,

Sherry <><