Faithful Servants

He rises early every morning to faithfully milk eight cows.
He starts the morning off with some warm, delicious bone broth.
He is encouraged to know the health benefits of drinking it on a regular basis.

  Have you ever observed someone and been amazed at how they can be so faithfully committed to a goal, dream or business?

She teaches faithfully. She homeschools her children. It can be a exasperating process for her and very normal to get the "I don't know!" exclamation. Things are tight but you would never know it by her cheerful countenance. Her trust in God is admirable. The devil is striving to make her fail. Her faith in a God she cannot physically see renders the devil incapable of making things to hard to handle.

He studies. He has his nose in the Scriptures daily. Learning, growing, guiding. He finds deep intellectual conversation inspiring. He has a regular routine of devotions and leads his family in worship to the Lord.

She expands her horizons when she is challenged to cook differently then cultural norm. She is faithful to provide simple, delicious & healthy meals for her family. She runs out of ideas at times and gets discouraged, but you would never know it because of her thankfulness expressed in the food she serves.

   These are the people who can inspire those of us who desire to be faithful to something as well. Their influence in our life is powerful. We see how they stay committed, even when its hard, challenging or discouraging at times. They are by no means perfect but the gift of faithfulness has been given to them.

All of us can be faithful to something, but the true test comes when trials start. "Commitment  means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long AFTER the mood you said it in has left you."

What is something you want to be faithful to? What do you know God is calling you to do but hesitate because it is a big commitment?  Proverbs 16:3

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

I want to encourage you to take that step of faith! If it is of God, you can rest assured He gives no bad gifts. Whether it be learning to budge your money, a healthy lifestyle change, an attitude change, new job, or a new adventure, with Christ all things are possible!

Now, if you've taken that step, I want you to know things will in no way, now become easier. "Things will get worse before they get better."

Generally, you have to work hard, endure pain and maybe even hate it before you begin to see the good in everything. 

And this would be where encouragement comes in. 

You see those faithful people on a regular basis, so find something to say to uplift them. You will never know how much they will appreciate being noticed for their hard efforts.  Proverbs 16:24

"Gracious words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

Milking with Peter

Cool, crisp morning at Bartlett Farms, Bottineau, ND

I wake up at 6 and head downstairs to start some coffee. 

I glance out the window at a beautiful lit sky, the sun is just beginning to rise.

I'm here for a couple weeks to do the milking while Peter takes a recharge vacation!

I began shadowing him last night for the evening milking and was a little intimidated by the many steps and procedures to milking 8 Jersey cows. (with some part Angus and Brown Swiss in there too)

But I believe this to be a great challenge and possibly be a way to get out of my comfort zone (cows have been a little scary to me due to their large size and some with attitude 😉)

Peter begins with cleaning & sterilizing the milking equipment and shows me how. I am learning to jump in quickly so to hopefully, catch on more quickly to the routine of things.

We then trudge down to the barn and I get things set up while Peter gets the 1st group of cows to milk. He made a handy step-by-step picture guide for the duties in the barn regarding the milking procedure. Hopefully, I don't forget any of the steps 😉

I am learning and trying to memorize each cow and her favorite stanchion in the milking parlor.

After finishing the 1st group, Peter leaves to haul the milk up to the milk room. While he's gone I try figuring out how my system will work for milking. I run each different procedure and step over in my mind trying to make sure I don't forget any important steps. 

When Peter gets back, he helps me finish up. Giving me tips and telling me what to do in whatever the case may be. I listen all the more intently because aside from some slight previous background with cows I don't know a thing about cows or cattle. 

The cold has awakened my reality of the harsh conditions the Bartletts have to work in and care for milk cows in the winter months. Life sure is not easy peasy in the winter!

Our breath, along with the cows comes out like a steam engine! Peter comments to me, "You can tell how cold it is by how far you can see your breath in the air!"

As we're in the milking parlor together Peter tells me, "I should write a book about artctic cow care."

"You should!" I tell him. What someone else could gain from his experience and wisdom when it comes to the daily routine of milking and caring for cows in the winter would be invaulable!

Its' mind boggling for sure, but amazing to know. Its been a goal of mine to learn and be confident in knowing how to care for and milk cows. I'm glad for this oppurtunity to do so. 

Eat Real, Eat Healthy! :) 

I'm lonely for summer;

For constant blue skies.

For sunshine.

For the smell of earth being turned over.

For the sound of a summer rain. 

My heart yearns for the glorious peaceful mornings basking in light.

My whole being longs to stand quietly in a pasture letting the warm breeze grasp at my loose hair strands. 

My hands miss holding life in a small, yet potential seed.

My eyes wait for the return of vibrant colors and magnificent sunsets.

My mind eagerly awaits the promise of deep thoughts while laying down in a grassy meadow gazing at the fluffy white clouds flit a crossed the sky. 

My nose longs for the sweet fragrance of blooming lilacs in the woods.

I miss the lake shore and the waves splashing on the rocks.

I miss capturing my brothers excitement over a seven pound Northern and spending beautiful days with family.

I miss talks that stretch beyond the setting sun and exposing a breathtaking starry sky.

I miss campfires and watching the mesmerizing flames shoot to and fro.

I miss the feeling of accomplishment after a long busy day of rewarding labor.

I miss the warm weather and the ability to run outside in a t-shirt without getting chilled to the bone.

I miss blue sky, reflecting off of the ocean. 

Lord, please grant your servant patience and contentment in this time....

the dead of winter. 

~memories~

Why do we have memories? 

Why do we remember some things, and yet not others?

Have you ever wished memories would cease to exist, that God would wipe your memory bank?

Do you ever look back on better times and wish they would return to the present?

"Say not, 'Why were the former days better then these?' 

For it is not from wisdom that you ask this."

~Ecclesiastes 7:10

Has there ever been a time when you get so low that you have no encouraging thoughts?

I have an annoying habit of overthinking. 

Only yesterday, I was rethinking/overthinking my past and the people I loved and lost. 

It's so easy to slip into this fantasy mode and allow sadness/regret to creep in.

But, not long after my mind wandered and my mood was disheartened, I was resolved to start thinking on whatever things are;

true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. (Philippians 4:8)

First off, what my mind was consumed with wasn't TRUE. 

It was past imaginations, fantasies, pretentious living, and discouragement.

Fellow believer, these things are not truth's and should not even be given the time of day nor use of our precious energy to think upon such superficial thoughts!

HONORABLE: 

My thoughts could hardly have been considered God-honoring. Not once, did I see His goodness or recognize His grace. Ye, I was consumed by selfishness. 

JUST:

Also defined as PROPER and LAWFUL. According to the 10 commandments my thought process was unhinged and had dislocated proper rules of thinking godly thoughts.

PURE:

Now, in this area I honestly admit struggle. 

In this world,  modesty is considered nil and you can so easily see the most disgraceful images in public stores, online, and TV (main reason why I don't watch TV).

Lust, pleasure in passion and sexual activity before marriage is sadly the "norm".

Impure thoughts are so easy to have because some may think, "well, I'm not actually doing anything." But go read Matthew 5:28 and you will be inherently wrong. I do also believe the opposite is true, aka, 'any woman who looks after a man with lustful intent has already commit adultery in her heart.' 

LOVELY:

I don't believe it's talking about only feminine and beautiful, girly things here, guys😉

Defined as MORALLY or SPIRITUALLY ATTRACTIVE and HIGHLY ENJOYABLE.

What thoughts bring you lasting satisfaction? 

What things do you enjoy doing for the Lord, that is worth spending your thought time on?

COMMENDABLE:

 I never had considered that thinking about someone with an angry, conceited, or discouraging mindset only makes it harder to actually treat them kindly, lovingly and with encouragement in real life.  Think upon things you wouldn't mind being broadcasted to the entire world!

And finally in conclusion of the verse, 

"If there is excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise think about these things."

If there are things that bring Christ Jesus glory think upon those.

If you struggle thinking pure, focus you mind on scripture.

If you have a rough time with sadness, loneliness and hurt in your past, defeat the devil with the overwhelming goodness of God! 

His greatness, His power, His love, His mercy, His grace and the list goes on! 

Feast your mind upon the Almighty and soon your struggle with painful memories will diminish. 

Relish the Lord's many blessings in your life. The good memories, the fantastic moments you wanted to last for eternity, the times a loved one prayed for you, a moment when everything changed as you accepted Christ as your Savior.

".......and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

~2 Corinthians 10:5

The power of observance

You find beauty in glorious majesties....

You see the pain in peoples eyes and experience joy at the sight of a blooming flower....

You know the meaning of a silent glance or a withering glare....

Your eyes are miraculous, intricate and far beyond amazing....

You see colors and watch sunshine splash the evening sky...

You glance longingly after those you love and stare passionately into the eyes of a lover....

You feel grief, express tears and anguish over a death....

You see the promise of new life in a birth, green grass and the cross....

You know the certainty of death in sin, failing health and leaves falling from the tree...

You look in amazement over the change of seasons and progression of time passing....

Your eyes are a blessings, yes so easily taken for granted

Eyes are powerful

Emotions like passion, hatred, love, hurt, strength and weakness can all be caught in a fleeting glance.

Eyes tell a story

You can establish an understanding of another party based on looks, stares and gazes.

You have a chosen color of the rainbow to set apart your eyes from another.

You see pain, sadness, mercy, tenderness, purity, hurt, joy, love, thoughtfulness and endurance.

......What would life be without the ability to observe?

It's 36 degrees outside!!!

Hey Ya'll-

It felt so warm doing chores today! I am loving it! 

A short video of morning chores in the chicken coop.

Daddy and Peter installed and started the heater in the coop a couple days ago! Its been alot warmer in there now and as soon as I rig up the lightening our odds for getting eggs will be greater! 

Rusty is a very energetic and outgoing dog. He's got to much energy, I tell ya.

 Homemade Chinese Lo Mein 

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 Monday, I went to the Comings to help, play games, go sledding, wash dishes and be goofy! 

ALL of the above were accomplished and it was a wonderful time!

That night gave great promise for a frosty morning 

and soooooooo.........

I joyously took these beautiful pictures Tuesday morning. 

 That night, after class, I set up the info table for Cru. 

I made smore's bars and typed up the "Local Churches" list. 

Afterwards, some girls and I went out for some fellowship and food! It's great encouragement to have to ability to hang out with girls and be around that spiritual example. 

(Amanda, with the glasses, Nicole, with the ballcap, Emily, with the gray shirt and myself)

 curly hair is so pretty! 

Prayer for healing for myself and family would be appreciated folks, sickness keeps rearing its ugly face. Being ill is taking its toll on the emotions and I struggle to be thankful and praise the Lord for my situation. Alas, my burden is not so heavy that He cannot carry it.

"The Lord preserves the simple;

when I was brought low, He saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you."

~Psalm 116:6 & 7

Proverbs 31 family? Above Rubies? Why my Mom is My best Friend?

Howdy Folks-

Do those titles make sense? I couldn't pick which fit best, so all of the above work! 

Read what I wrote this afternoon to get the jest of what I am referring to here! :) 

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Not only can the woman who bore you be a great Mom, but a best friend too.

Quite often my Dad relates to my Mom as a Proverb's 31 Woman. He praises her and uplifts her (Proverbs 31:28) I never hear him tear her down or lord over her.

She is wise and always learning something new.

She can tell when somethings wrong and she will listen as you talk. As well as hold you while you cry. Mom's truly are amazing beings. They can vary in personalities, appearances, colors, skills, and backgrounds. And yet, all share the common bond of an undefying love for their families. 

Far above rubies is my Mother to me. Her unfailing trust in the Lord and her prayer life are admirable. I am so privileged to have her incredible example in my life! 

Friends will come and go, but your kinda stuck with your family!

Parents can be your best friends. After all, God chose them for you and He does know best. 

Siblings will have a lasting impact on each other and forever share the memories of growing up together. And after living with them for how ever long, you began to have this annoying feature added to your life😆.....Knowing Them.

See, 

You can tell when they are sad, you see their moods, you know when to leave them alone....and when to comfort them. You know when you've said to much and hurt them, and yet,  know how to cheer them up again and make them laugh. You know when you haven't said enough "I love you's", you watch them grow up and reminisce together about the good ole' days. You cover for them, you see their mistakes, you stick by their side, your their biggest critic and greatest encourager.

You know how to push buttons and make them mad, how to say "I'm sorry, I was wrong" and neither party can keep from smiling when Mom makes you hug each other after asking for forgiveness. 

My father is such a character! He loves his children as the Father who first loved us sinners. He has the best interest at heart for me and he cares how I spend my time. He takes interest in and pushes me farther in my spiritual gifts. My Mom has said many a time how she couldn't do it without my Daddy's faithful presence, leadership, guidance and love for her. 

His convictions come straight from a life of faithful obedience to God's Word, praying and waiting on the Lord. He only cares about what Christ thinks of how he lives his life and takes the responsibility  of his family within the gates of heaven seriously. 

I fully trust and value his opinion and direction when the time comes for a spouse. Because he knows my worth, he will be sure that that man is worthy of me. But not before coming to a very clear understanding that that man is a strong godly believer and leader!

With all that said,

 I want to share my personal thoughts on how the godly family is to be.

I firmly believe God orchestrated the family as 

Husband (male) & Wife [(female) Genesis 2:18-24]

+a heritage of children (Psalms 127:3, Genesis 9:1) 

Husband, being the head and leader. Bread winner. (1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Timothy 5:8)

Wife, submissive to her husband. Helpmeet. (Genesis 3:16)

Children, obedient to parents, trained up in the way that they should go. (Proverbs 22:6)

God has been so gracious to me and has supremely blessed me beyond my wildest dreams!💙💘