Song Of The Sagebrush
November 9, 2009

Mountain Moments

Posted in POETRY

When the burdensome moment passes,
And I turn for just a glance
At the mountain You have moved,
And the way that You helped me through...
I will revel in Your glory.
I will shout my thanks and praise.
I will treasure mountain moments,
As You straighten paths and guide the way.

When the mountain looms,
I cry to You;
I stretch my heart,
But still fall short.
Though I think there's faith,
I find the lack,
But it's filled by You
As You hold me back...
And move the mountain.



I will revel in Your glory
I will shout my thanks and praise
I will treasure mountain moments
As You straighten paths and guide the way.


A.D.W.    2009

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October 12, 2009

Catching up?

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch
Last week was challenging, as we had an early frost.  We tend to be at least 10 degrees less than the low temp in town, but Tuesday, it was almost a 20 degree difference.  With a boatload of tomatoes on the vines, I didn't want to lose the crop, and picking them green would mean some ripening, but alot lost.  We got the area covered with tarps, and managed to avoid losing much.  The worst damage happened when the dogs got in, chasing a bunny, no doubt.  They got on top of the tarps, and took out some pepper plants.  Ugh!  Still, we managed to make it through the chill.  Things in the forecast look better for the next few weeks, so hopefully we won't have any more frost this month.

I've been able to harvest plenty of ripe, or nearly ripe, tomatoes in the last week, and have turned toward making salsas and sauces to freeze.  My canning skills are still a little lacking, but it's not too difficult to boil tomatoes and onion, seasonings, peppers, etc.  Give them a whirl in the blender, and voila!  My tomatillo crop got hit by the frost, although I do still have some production.  A friend recommended a mix of tomatillo and tomato for a tasty salsa, and I have to agree.  I have a plentiful supply of habaneros, and have been boiling a couple into my salsas.  Not near the bite that the uncooked pepper has.  Just enough! 

The frost took out my pole beans, as well as any remaining cucumbers.  That will about do it for the season.  We're working on an area that may be devoted to onions and such, but I haven't had much time to put into it yet.  I tried to get some broccoli and cabbage going, but I guess that bunny took care of that crop. 

We have 7 remaining turkeys.  The first of the 8 became the first to grace the dinner table when it developed a problem with its leg.  It was only 14 lbs after it was cleaned, whereas the broadbreasted bronze we had a couple of years ago was 30 lbs.  That one had nearly 2 additional months to fatten.  I have to say that it turned out quite well, and had very little fat.  It's a different result than with a store bought bird.  We have at least 3, possibly 4, Toms out there, and I'm interested to see where they weigh in and whether they fit in the oven. 

Soccer is still busy.  Two more JV games to go, and less than a month of season play for AYSO.  Plus baseball...ds is practicing with a group of highschoolers, and serving as bat boy during their games.  Mom is looking forward to a little break! 

That's the news from the ranch...cooler mornings, lower power bills, and lots of domestic activity as we preserve what harvest is left.  Loving the restful resting place we call home!

Blessings!
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October 1, 2009

Happy October!

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch

Fall is in full swing!  A Southern wind on Tuesday became a North wind on Wednesday, and morning lows dropped from upper 60's to mid 40's in two days' time.  Brr!  Possibilities of a low in the 30's this weekend is a little bit of a concern, as my tomato plants are loaded with green tomatoes.  Just a little early to be quite that low.  Yikes!  We'll see what happens.  The garden has wound down in many respects.  Squash are almost completely done, and cucumbers are nearly so.  Tomatoes will keep going until the frost hits.  My melon are mostly done, and the corn crop was a total dissappointment this year.  Pumpkins, too.  I'm hoping my pole beans do well.  There are loads of blossoms, but I had a hard time finding any for the festival.

Speaking of the festival, last week was busy, but fun.  We entered 72 items in the fair...an average of 9 per person participating from our household.  Much of our produce did well, with 13 yo son earning first place ribbons on all of his entries.  5 yo son picked a watermelon, and got a grand champion ribbon on it.  I got lot champion ribbons on my yellow pear tomatoes and on my "Long of Naples" winter squash (28.2 lbs.).  13 yo entered the big (31.2 lbs) watermelon, which got a first.  10 yo dd earned several ribbons with her sculpey clay artwork, and with her decorated cake.  I entered some of my last year's poems, one of which received a second and a reserve lot champion.  The judge's remarks indicate that he/she wasn't all that taken with most of them, as the one ribbon-winning entry said, "At last...continuity"...oh, well.  The poems with Christian reference seemed to receive the worst marks and comments.  The ribbon winning one, "The Quiet Sounds of Evening".  Gotta laugh, though...many of my poems are a little disjoint because of the manner in which they come together, reflective of a busy Mom who must grab the moments as they present themselves.  New strategy next time I enter more than one item:  package and print them all differently so as not to cause the judge an attitude if they dislike one or more.  Grin!

Fall in our corner of the desert means birthdays, and we have two coming this month.  We will also be watching our flock of turkeys fatten up for Thanksgiving and beyond, Lord willing.  One of the hens had a limp, and perhaps hurt its leg.  We butchered it yesterday.  14 lbs. after cleaning it.  2 years ago, the hen we had for Thanksgiving dinner weighed in at 30 lbs. after it was butchered and cleaned.  It had nearly 2 more months to fatten up, though.  Turkey cooking tomorrow, and a little time to wait before the next one. 

Soccer is still busy, kicking back into gear after the Fall Festival break.  14 yo dd has 4 games to go before the high school JV season is finished.  The other kids have games through the first week of November, and then playoffs for the older 2.  Busy, chilly weeks ahead.  And, that's the news for now from the ranch!  Blessings!

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September 15, 2009

Slowing of the Season

Posted in POETRY

Slowing of the season,

Autumn breezes dust my face

With the drying leaves

Of slowing crops;

Production takes a lesser pace.


Tangled vines

And cooling days

Evidence the summer's grace;

Earth giving forth,

In each season, its due.

God's bountiful provision,

My reflection in

The season's change.


A.D.W.   2009

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September 11, 2009

In Memory...

Posted in POETRY
This was written in the week following that riveting and horrifying morning of September 11.  So far away in time and space, it is still a moment that moves me and others to tears and to prayer.


Nation on Its Knees


Nation on its knees,
Bowed in grief and disbelief.
Nation on its face,
Plundered by an angry thief
Who seeks to steal, to kill,
Destroy...
Who glories when
he steals our joy.
And yet, his seeming victory
his greatest loss
When we're brought to our knees;
For worship and prayer,
Faith and trust,
Are treasures that
Will never rust.
Though war is waged,
he's missed the mark,
For he stirs us up
And the Father calls,
And we bend and are broken
For the Father's heart
For a dying world,
And we stand and we march
On in His name,
Carry a torch, speaking His word,
Promises claim.

Press on,
He is coming!
Press on,
He is here!
There is hope in His name...
His glory is near.


A.D.W.   September 17, 2001

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September 8, 2009

Honest Scrap...LOL

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch

Ginny at Proverbs 22:6 Academy conferred this award upon my humble little blog...grin!  Thanks, Ginny.  I don't know if I can comply with the requirements, as I've been a little neglectful of my homeschoolblogger buddies, and with the household computers dedicated to school right now, probably won't be able to pass it on to the 7 or so that I am supposed to share the award with.  Still, I suppose I can comply with the sharing of 10 honest things about myself...well, maybe.    Let's see...

1.  I hated gardening as a kid...love it as an adult.

2.  I'm very disorganized!  Hubby is very organized.  Just compare my purse to his wallet, and you'll see.

3.  I hate to cook from recipes.  If I can't wing it, it's very rare I'll fix it.  Unless I'm baking.

4.  I hate beets.  I grew some this year, but even the exotic looking ones still taste slimy.  Yuck.

5.  I love Dr. Seuss books because they rhyme!

6.  I can't wait 'til the Fall Festival!  It's two weeks away, and the kids and I usually have a blast entering arts, crafts, homegrown veggies, and baked goods!  I'm starting to think about which poems I want to enter this year.

7.  My best poems sometimes start with the oddest thoughts or in the most unusual places, like the shower.  The things that inspire me to write are works of the Lord, both those recorded in the Bible and those in my life, as well as nature and mountains, and of course, listening to Rich Mullins or my hubby on his guitar. 

8.  I'm a terrible housekeeper.  Too easily distracted.

9.  I hate driving!  Teaching my 16 yo is gonna be a challenge.

10.  I love fishing, but don't like eating the fish so much.  I kinda cringe when people order fish at a restaurant...not my favorite!  LOL!

I'll have to do the passing on of the award at a different juncture, as the day has dawned and kids need tending!

Blessings from the ranch! 

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September 8, 2009

Shadows

Posted in POETRY

Shadow of a blessing

In the shadow of a doubt;

Uncertainty that tugs the heart

As emboldened feet step out.


Hearken my heart, Lord;

Strengthen my faith.

Lift up my arms.

Don't let me faint.


There would not be shadows

If there were not light;

The shadow of the blessing

Is keeping You in sight.



A.D.W.     2009

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August 27, 2009

Nothing More, Nothing Less

Posted in POETRY

Nothing more than a black sheep;
Nothing less than His own kin!
Unblemished One,
The perfect Son,
In mercy, took me in.
No spot or stain upon Him,
The sacrificial Lamb,
Lifted high in grave dishonor,
Honors this unworthy one.
I am nothing more than a black sheep,
Unfit to pay the price;
Purchased by His perfect gift...
Unblemished, worthy sacrifice...
Nothing less, now, than His kin,
With an everlasting, perfect hope
That only comes through Him.



ADW 2009

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August 7, 2009

Such As Is Common

Posted in POETRY
Such as is common
To mothers
And man;
Such as is needed
In times now at hand;
Such as is given,
Such as is breathed,
Such as is asked for
And gratefully received;
Your breath,
Your fire...
Your love inspires
Hope in hearts
For the ages,
Hope to manage the stages,
Help to conquer the battle
That pulls and now wages
War for my heart...
The world that pulls
My attention from You...
Such as is common
To mothers
And man.


A.D.W.   2009
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August 7, 2009

Midnight Dance

Posted in POETRY

Midnight dance...
The rabbits prance
To and fro across the plain;
Coyote cry...
The bunnies fly
Off to hide in the desert terrain.


Morning mountain landscape
And slowly fading haze;
Chilly air...
The prancing hare
Fades into the morning
To rest a bit
'Til it's time to dance
The night away again!



A.D.W.   2009

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August 7, 2009

God, Who Beckons

Posted in POETRY
God, who beckons,
"Child, draw near...";
God, who longs
To bend His ear
To hear the
Fretful heart that cries,
That He might calm
The hopeless life.
God who reckons
Death as life;
God who summons
You and I
Has breathed a hope,
Has filled a cup
With the simplest summons...
"Come!"


A.D.W.   2009
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August 7, 2009

Grazing

Posted in POETRY
Grazing in the pastures of Your goodness;
Glazing eyes, with grateful tears of praise...
Divine, the depth,
I catch my breath
At the wonder I observe.



A.D.W.   2009
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August 6, 2009

Tidying up my poetry files...

Or trying, I should say!

Lots of little snippets!

 

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August 6, 2009

Shepherd Boy

Posted in POETRY

Shepherd boy...
Caretaker's joy
As he moves amidst the flock;
Watchful eye,
Compassionate heart...
That of a humble king.
Concern for his charge,
Love directs all
From shepherd to king,
With a high and honored call.

Carpenter boy...
Builder's joy
To finish each pressing task.
Keenest eye to the work...
Heart that recognized, in union with touch,
The finished feel of the crafted piece;
From carpenter to king,
With a high and honored call.



A.D.W.   2009

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August 6, 2009

Insufficient Love

Posted in POETRY

Insufficient love...
When pressed,
My heart spews forth
Reviling thought,
Offending words,
Returning wrong
When another hurts;
Insufficient love.

All sufficient One...
Only You
Can move beyond
The lack of love
In me.
Conditions of
My hardened heart,
Unconditionally cleansed
Through Your perfect work...
A love that expands
And unconditionally extends
Beyond all that I lack,
Overwhelming and driving
Unconditional fact
Of your sufficiency.


A.D.W.   2009

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August 6, 2009

The Flower Bed

Posted in POETRY

An empty weed-filled bed;
Passersby take little note.
A sneer,
A glance, and then, away;
Eyes quickly turn
From the rundown place.

An empty weed-filled bed...
One pair of eyes rest long;
Garden gaze into bygone days.
Faintest of smiles at remembered warmth,
Faithfully tended and carefully groomed,
Whilst prayers gently offered,
Life, graciously pondered,
In bountiful, beautiful, growing time
Rest heavy in the wistful mind.


A.D.W.   2009

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August 6, 2009

Time As I See It

Posted in POETRY

Time, as I see it...
Time, from my view,
Often drags in fulfilling
The promises due
To complete the sum of Your word.


Time as You see it
Is filled with Your grace,
Lending the option
For all to embrace
The promises given;
The sum of Your word
Gives time, that all might come
Unto You.


Time passing and hinting...
Fulfillment will be
According to Your time.


A.D.W.   2009

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August 5, 2009

Works For Me Wednesday: Back to School Edition

It's been some time since I've done a WFMW post.  An enjoyable source for great tips, it is now hosted at the blog, "We Are That Family".  Be sure to visit for more great back to school tips today!

Back to school in our home means back to sports!  While homeschooling brings the need for fresh organization as we begin our studies for the year (well, official studies), sports brings the need for fresh organization in household management, child supervision, and meal planning.  With 5 children participating in 2 sports with 3 different organizations, chaos could easily take over.  My approach to meals, particularly, will be more designed for on the go eating so that the non-participants are not left in the lurch!

Some basic standby foods for an easy dinner are burritos and wraps.  Tortillas are essential.  For our troop of 8 kids, this is a palatable option.  The fillings range from lunch meat and cheese slices to peanut butter to the more traditional re-fried beans.  The economics of the fillings range, as well.  The kids would love lunch meat every chance they get, but that's on the pricey end of the spectrum.  Tuna works well for me, but many of the bunch turn up their noses.  Unfortunately, they have to deal...it's deal or no meal if they decide to be that picky.  A new favorite of late is corn tortillas with shredded rotisserie chicken.  Very tasty!  

Tostadas are a nice approach to some of these meals.  My latest discovery is that I can make my own tostadas in the microwave.  I do the corn tortilla on one side for a minute, flip it and put it on for another minute, then let it sit for about 30 seconds.  If it isn't quite crispy, another 30 seconds, and it should be great.  No oil needed!  Much less expensive, also.  Tostada toppings may include refried beans, lettuce, salsa, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, and a sprinkling of queso seco or parmesan cheese.  Another option is a tuna-pasta salad.  Or chicken and pasta for the fish haters in the house.  I mix the meat, pasta, some mayo, lime juice, tomato, onion, and cilantro, sometimes a can of corn (drained)...serve on the tostada with a chile sauce on the side for those who like a little heat with their meal!

When it comes to tortilla meals, it's easy to put things together ahead of time, assembly style.  However, transporting the ingredients is a great option, as well.  A makeshift picnic on the sidelines is one way to pass the time through a portion of practice.  With tostadas, a ziploc for the pasta salad, or tupperware type containers for other ingredients, and I'm set.  Additionally, I think I'll plan for a small ice chest dedicated to carrying picnic type supplies.  A little organization and some simple planning will allow for easy, portable meals that work for me!
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August 4, 2009

I Praise You

Posted in POETRY
I praise You. 
I raise You
To the highest of heights
In the scope of my mind,
In the realm of my life.
I exalt You;
I serve You.
I live in Your grace.
I follow Your lead,
And I rest in Your strength.


A.D.W.   2009
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August 4, 2009

Just Catching up

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch

Early mornings are nice, sometimes the only quiet concentration where I can just think my own thoughts!  Grin.  You know...not thinking through who needs what done when.  Not thinking over the errands to do and the errands forgotten yesterday and so forth.  So, this morning was nice...watched a John Denver concert after hubby went to work, which, of course, inspired my poetic senses to complete some stuff in my files.  Don't know how well it turned out, but the file of partially completed ideas had grown, so I did a little work with it.  Still have a lot of incomplete work.  But it was fun. 

Sports are the activity of the week.  We met one of three soccer coaches this weekend.  DD is on a team which includes two sets of siblings composing 5 of the 9 team members.  Along with two other teammates and DD, we have a pretty good looking team, skillwise.  14 yo is getting in shape, and 13 yo ds got some extra batting instruction yesterday, and was hitting really well.  He has games this weekend.  14 yo has a carwash.  Mom and Dad have shuttle service.  Double grin!

The tomatoes are kicking into gear in the garden!  You know it's getting there when you can serve tacos for four days in a row, and not have to purchase tomatoes to supplement.  The cucumbers are slowly getting there...I picked 3 last night.  They're looking good...just wish more had taken.  My pole beans are climbing, and I got 3 beans off the bush bean plants...ummm....I think I still have a couple of gallon ziplocs in the freezer from last year...gotta get busy.  DS spotted 3 watermelons in the back corner.  I really hope they get as big as the seed company's info indicated.  Lots of stuff going to seed...radishes, lettuce, spinach...need to check on seed saving info! 

The turkeys are getting quite big...of the 8, I think at least 2 are Toms.  Might have to separate at least one of them out so we don't end up with fighting Toms.   I'll probably switch to the finisher feed for at least one, so that I don't end up slaughtering a bird that has no fat.  Last year we had 3 Toms, one died due to fighting, we thought.  We slaughtered another so there wouldn't be any further senseless loss.  That bird was pretty dry when it was all said and done, not much fat.  The feeds are altered the last several weeks to fatten them up a bit.  I'd like to actually have one, come Thanksgiving, that weighs in as nicely as the one we had two years ago. 

I picked up a pair of Belgian Quail at the feed store last week.  I've thought it might be nice to try raising them as a small meat bird.  Hubby teased me last night, said I got taken.  They look more like chickens than like the desert quail we're used to seeing.  Nevertheless, I'm gonna see how it all turns out.  We lost a pheasant yesterday.  One of the families on the soccer team was our source for the pheasants and pheasant eggs.  Relieved to know that their hatch rate wasn't super spectacular either.  The male pheasant has pretty feathers coming in. 

Well, enough rambling for the morning.  Little ones are stirring, and I have a few things to do before the day is full force.  Busy garden morning, busy sports afternoon.  Abundant life!

Blessings from the ranch!

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August 4, 2009

Meet Me

Posted in POETRY
Meet me on the other side,
Where we'll be chums
And walk in stride.
No more war
In the holy place;
Nations healed
By Jesus' grace.
Leaves for healing,
A soothing balm
Brings earthly wars
And human storms
To a place of divine peace.
Meet me at that healing place,
Where we will bask in Jesus' grace...
Where forever we'll behold His face
And forget the divisions once known.
Healed and united and joyful
We'll bask in His presence as one.


A.D.W.   2009
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August 4, 2009

Your Favor Shields

Posted in POETRY
Your favor shields my heart this day;
In thankfulness of heart I ask
That you would make a straightened path,
That I might clearly see
And go that way.
Lord, lead;
Lord, guide.
Lord, help me live a life
That is pleasing unto Thee.
Lord, lead;
Lord, guide.
Lord, You direct
Your child;
I follow close.
Lord, lead;
Lord, guide.
Lord, You show the steps;
I will follow close at hand.


A.D.W.   2009
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August 4, 2009

Heaven Can Wait

Posted in POETRY
Heaven can wait,
But heavenly hope
Is urgent this day.
A day is as a thousand;
A thousand days as one...
One soul is counted priceless
To the reigning one.
Redeemed in ultimate cost
Of innocent blood,
The lowest of the low
Dare draw near
To declare His heavenly hope!


A.D.W.   2009
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August 4, 2009

Downcast Soul

Posted in POETRY
Downcast soul,
Look up and see
The riches of grace
That He gives to thee.
Lift up your voice
In the morning chill;
Lift up your heart
As you seek His will.
Lift up your eyes
As you seek His face;
Lift up your voice
As you sing His praise!
Be not downcast,
Be filled with joy;
His joy shall be your strength!


A.D.W.   2009
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August 4, 2009

At the Manger

Posted in POETRY

At the manger
I find no heavenly glow;
At the manger
I find no glistening snow.
At the manger
I find no luxurious robes,
Just a babe in humble state.


At the manger
I find, simple and weak,
The one who will lead
And the one I must seek...
The simplicity of a newborn babe,
The complexity of the incarnate King.
At the manger I kneel,
At the manger I see
Ultimate sacrifice
Laid out for me.
In the weakest form,
The Mighty One speaks
His love everlasting
Which gently seeks
My heart.

At the manger I find
How great His love,
That He would come
To lay down all for me.


A.D.W.   2009

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About Me

Living a simple life in our desert home! Blogging as an outlet in my busy life as Mom! Poetry's my pastime... My passion is my Lord; My life is wrapped in home and Him, Abiding in His Word!


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