tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37637241122504596142024-03-05T03:40:38.239-05:00 Davis FarmAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.comBlogger628125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-9116786186701220032016-07-04T07:35:00.002-04:002016-07-05T07:50:49.711-04:00Independence and a Birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She sits on my lap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She's so long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She tries to curl in a ball. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Those legs are not letting her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2015/07/that-10-year-old-firecracker.html" target="_blank">Our firecracker. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The youngest;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is 11. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10kL4vmm6LPsYAAuvvd1NvADEoX-o_aJsLdV2Ops5Z6t50yIz5zMEosayqUIfWVdHmgNQmRMrtGgHEIcy9qslO0pKeU3yu9KIcGvo3k3CI6pA7roODaehNeyLHL8Y7Sa7w-bnNHzdNhwj/s1600/Ana+and+Ella+on+the+boat+at+Lake+Dunmore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10kL4vmm6LPsYAAuvvd1NvADEoX-o_aJsLdV2Ops5Z6t50yIz5zMEosayqUIfWVdHmgNQmRMrtGgHEIcy9qslO0pKeU3yu9KIcGvo3k3CI6pA7roODaehNeyLHL8Y7Sa7w-bnNHzdNhwj/s320/Ana+and+Ella+on+the+boat+at+Lake+Dunmore.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The 4th of July a fitting birthday. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsp6SMJqjUMkIq8SYx4uX_DacdwTdfmV9Or7tV86EnAKp35XYSC0ql2CjK3F45_nlfJ51mO2ziPNG3fX-MKkZmTURasdA5CbB-oYkM8G3D37t3XQ7nXBN2iRVbMc53N7TsMB2nScb16M8/s1600/Ella%2527s+birthday+with+Elijah+on+the+couch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsp6SMJqjUMkIq8SYx4uX_DacdwTdfmV9Or7tV86EnAKp35XYSC0ql2CjK3F45_nlfJ51mO2ziPNG3fX-MKkZmTURasdA5CbB-oYkM8G3D37t3XQ7nXBN2iRVbMc53N7TsMB2nScb16M8/s320/Ella%2527s+birthday+with+Elijah+on+the+couch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her eyes twinkle and sparkle like her dad's;</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCNVcpG_4FgssQym28KEkXnMIkS3glF5_q_4xIqrn_oPoP2FKId_tLFYkYVxRgwHR9lTw7NWbj_EE47ZxFC5VTaR2aDLaTSL_ISYXOqSm1xeY6zk5OqLruxPjOlGxUq2rlJFO9ApE4goi/s1600/Ella+at+Kristine%2527s+wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCNVcpG_4FgssQym28KEkXnMIkS3glF5_q_4xIqrn_oPoP2FKId_tLFYkYVxRgwHR9lTw7NWbj_EE47ZxFC5VTaR2aDLaTSL_ISYXOqSm1xeY6zk5OqLruxPjOlGxUq2rlJFO9ApE4goi/s320/Ella+at+Kristine%2527s+wedding.JPG" width="287" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">though, the color of mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She reaches first for babies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Soothes them like no other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A gift. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A beautiful sunset will not escape her notice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She will attempt to capture the beauty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She can teeter on the edge of wrath one moment and love </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">whole heartedly in the next. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwl6yWd-xYdzw6SacbuTb8DQ1tkU8Y887mCES9PbNuoOZ-YO55YZlsOuYZYOehyphenhyphenqo3DMc6NIlBsfFTPQWwKwpP-XTrrbHP0S_GuXOWGUPh_tQGotxZEU08R-DUfBEFPuvAbykiEQDUapco/s1600/Gary+and+Ella+at+the+hospital+with+Evie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwl6yWd-xYdzw6SacbuTb8DQ1tkU8Y887mCES9PbNuoOZ-YO55YZlsOuYZYOehyphenhyphenqo3DMc6NIlBsfFTPQWwKwpP-XTrrbHP0S_GuXOWGUPh_tQGotxZEU08R-DUfBEFPuvAbykiEQDUapco/s320/Gary+and+Ella+at+the+hospital+with+Evie.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She is fiercely independent. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyWL2pCG2UNfqty40CLg2duo2_c4_qmB4EKK0sm2CBzmJSV9HS6LV-_FXt4ZydCWr-ywLqXaF4bPX-bLnKLltnHJKI_O8UX0a0sIcGkyZtp4MWQvB4982gOCWUvJ3EdHqGzWnylXeeaOk/s1600/Ana+and+Ella+on+the+path+to+the+River.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyWL2pCG2UNfqty40CLg2duo2_c4_qmB4EKK0sm2CBzmJSV9HS6LV-_FXt4ZydCWr-ywLqXaF4bPX-bLnKLltnHJKI_O8UX0a0sIcGkyZtp4MWQvB4982gOCWUvJ3EdHqGzWnylXeeaOk/s320/Ana+and+Ella+on+the+path+to+the+River.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like the holiday of her birth. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ42rI_E8HZ_HpBFlnfBg-f0QtzdZIwPPB_uXK_CwLETSUsFSlLFSIOpTxJOw0xcGeIe4hhmgkHB80Ti5BaxJVk0jZigXIqegAG7C60Q2CoZpv7IfTgN_5L2FeM7cLRLSIb12Y1GNoJZSd/s1600/Ella+and+daddy+on+the+Swinger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ42rI_E8HZ_HpBFlnfBg-f0QtzdZIwPPB_uXK_CwLETSUsFSlLFSIOpTxJOw0xcGeIe4hhmgkHB80Ti5BaxJVk0jZigXIqegAG7C60Q2CoZpv7IfTgN_5L2FeM7cLRLSIb12Y1GNoJZSd/s320/Ella+and+daddy+on+the+Swinger.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her faith working itself out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Softening the edges as she lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A tender heart;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Explosive temper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Learning to accept and extend grace. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5cK6gKVwnsJ4PpJdpxBQitKpoopcqINyOx_jF4-G4Uo-Bk5wZnpDgfBlJJ2yhPhxhe3fmyslNNwltYv63Bu-ke4zB49pOp1zp6iMAws9oaaXZjXM0cWi8_Kb9c65VjDG9nPmGlYpOME7/s1600/Ella+and+I+at+the+hospital.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5cK6gKVwnsJ4PpJdpxBQitKpoopcqINyOx_jF4-G4Uo-Bk5wZnpDgfBlJJ2yhPhxhe3fmyslNNwltYv63Bu-ke4zB49pOp1zp6iMAws9oaaXZjXM0cWi8_Kb9c65VjDG9nPmGlYpOME7/s320/Ella+and+I+at+the+hospital.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She is growing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She creates beauty through music. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLqoPvqimFssIbPwaAt8WFOfYcDXrBYRcdlNSu7pwss2w4bOgFbbYPhy6LIH-Tl6QoQC0oVRKPBGOLQ7XJhl2_J3yisQZwiiu618PU7jsWwJOdojuwmePzF-r2ubn5JGg_-_hPFrJDJJS/s1600/Ella%2527s+new+cello.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLqoPvqimFssIbPwaAt8WFOfYcDXrBYRcdlNSu7pwss2w4bOgFbbYPhy6LIH-Tl6QoQC0oVRKPBGOLQ7XJhl2_J3yisQZwiiu618PU7jsWwJOdojuwmePzF-r2ubn5JGg_-_hPFrJDJJS/s320/Ella%2527s+new+cello.JPG" width="237" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoW7-VcvZrZ3WftX7DDMsDSUvy1K56Td8qemcqL5YHYfpI881MJ3R1hPit1BIrulnpbAp6QX-gNDFlgW2pGUkpD5br7Grj-hpUm2mgO6TvnKbuLhmtUMfAq3vqnSZw3wLa25G085nfBa1/s1600/11219393_1092196234174728_1732145842208017321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoW7-VcvZrZ3WftX7DDMsDSUvy1K56Td8qemcqL5YHYfpI881MJ3R1hPit1BIrulnpbAp6QX-gNDFlgW2pGUkpD5br7Grj-hpUm2mgO6TvnKbuLhmtUMfAq3vqnSZw3wLa25G085nfBa1/s320/11219393_1092196234174728_1732145842208017321_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She is the last. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next generation begun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I've tried to learn from the others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To sit longer. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9sIcOjGgKdTxxmjnspI4Nob3mAi3PJ6NIgKgW2UOcMcBC6-eE3V0A7f1UkKQ7K0kGghqQX0wSABcXbZscvPf0oNKLweDPKNgeospYPjV8GdllN3UeEuxwof8Vi7SlW8m07vOnnM5szTy/s1600/Ella+in+Carry+On.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9sIcOjGgKdTxxmjnspI4Nob3mAi3PJ6NIgKgW2UOcMcBC6-eE3V0A7f1UkKQ7K0kGghqQX0wSABcXbZscvPf0oNKLweDPKNgeospYPjV8GdllN3UeEuxwof8Vi7SlW8m07vOnnM5szTy/s320/Ella+in+Carry+On.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To hold the moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't want to miss anything. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP_2ejQmagLUU34Tu_kR0jBVsGFHStf_cBAgvWVTx1bBUbGE8oUPuQXx-PNsYiAt2Cc5stOaVLW0__1JxOiN7O8JLIqoEmdf3FQkfkXpOt-Ws4i3f9WuJhQ40PTT5q8fhnjpa0KqFGqYd/s1600/Ella+on+the+wagon+heading+to+the+baptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP_2ejQmagLUU34Tu_kR0jBVsGFHStf_cBAgvWVTx1bBUbGE8oUPuQXx-PNsYiAt2Cc5stOaVLW0__1JxOiN7O8JLIqoEmdf3FQkfkXpOt-Ws4i3f9WuJhQ40PTT5q8fhnjpa0KqFGqYd/s320/Ella+on+the+wagon+heading+to+the+baptism.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We get so busy living we sometimes miss that which is in front of us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've tried hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/07/our-baby.html" target="_blank">This day also marks the first day of our blog. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With the encouragement of our children I began to write</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> down my streams of consciousness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My thoughts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has become a life line for me as I work through deep grief,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a challenging farming season, and our young ones flying the coop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This will also be the last blog on this site! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stay tuned for new and exciting things to come!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Check our face book or this site for a new and improved look!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our prayer for you all this<a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/07/betrayal-and-thanks-in-same-sentence.html" target="_blank"> Independence day</a> is that you know sweet Freedom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Freedom from all that can weigh you down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That you know that you are loved beyond anything that you could ever imagine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a hope so sure. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A plan set in motion before time began. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your life has purpose. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your life has meaning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We all can help to make this journey here on earth a better one. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One day we will be called home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But until that day, there is much work to be done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seek. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ask. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You will find. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Matthew 7:7</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">knock and the door will be opened to you.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-81087148962254525582016-06-28T07:16:00.001-04:002016-06-28T07:16:09.908-04:00The Assurance of Knowing<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Often we are stretched. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beyond what we feel we can handle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We breathe deep. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We long for relief. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet, these circumstances are here to help us grow. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To change us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been 35 months of being stretched. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>There are many more months to go. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The missing deep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4cMi-AbYSySZDrDx83B3e2RsYSqkLnQxSeqJTM64vjnPkod05s7XhHtN46hiAqDtf40Bo0dtWpw_dsbL0lsfIoN73CxF_iqtVJfckblL3qHifkISKFcR4SmA1fJQix59yvkK8RqjCyqx/s1600/Elijah+and+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4cMi-AbYSySZDrDx83B3e2RsYSqkLnQxSeqJTM64vjnPkod05s7XhHtN46hiAqDtf40Bo0dtWpw_dsbL0lsfIoN73CxF_iqtVJfckblL3qHifkISKFcR4SmA1fJQix59yvkK8RqjCyqx/s400/Elijah+and+me.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The walk each day a choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I am only responsible for the here and now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To live this moment in surrender. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will let the rest of the moments be dealt with in time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In the pew, on Sunday, the children sat between my farmer and I . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">4 of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwRbnM5gJdqbw9UdRhz8aZQFAEkiR-41Sy6AldL_xbKQKcwhU8_Ko3wnL9Kc8Urso7Rigl6TJ6TWQhDLP2uoQ8r8gq218vNIYHXNWltthDLic0yWf7a76bCS61OVgX-AvozJdBRCo3DZY/s1600/kids+on+rocks+at+brewster+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwRbnM5gJdqbw9UdRhz8aZQFAEkiR-41Sy6AldL_xbKQKcwhU8_Ko3wnL9Kc8Urso7Rigl6TJ6TWQhDLP2uoQ8r8gq218vNIYHXNWltthDLic0yWf7a76bCS61OVgX-AvozJdBRCo3DZY/s320/kids+on+rocks+at+brewster+river.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I breathed deep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I want to remember this moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">To not forget. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">These are beautiful glimpses. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Snapshots really. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Our Pastor displays a quote. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For it is one thing to see the Land of Peace from a wooded ridge, and yet another to walk the road that leads to it.” -Augustine</span></i></h1>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, how I know this journey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This road. <i>This road.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Yet, I know the peace that travels with me on the journey; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">and the peace that awaits at the end is far greater than all I could imagine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPT9I8gx2QfPxl3-Rp0ZN_nh6UB9KrUfhLzq9_hrjooA2nNgkwJeEmWeyCEXNQuUy9T0SaLdMXMxvBXNz3KLTI21UfuwSKj_7rklTnjZU1cul9eA-U0fPJqJHCwms_6Mj2-ghXuQK6anW/s1600/his+mercies+are+new+every+morning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPT9I8gx2QfPxl3-Rp0ZN_nh6UB9KrUfhLzq9_hrjooA2nNgkwJeEmWeyCEXNQuUy9T0SaLdMXMxvBXNz3KLTI21UfuwSKj_7rklTnjZU1cul9eA-U0fPJqJHCwms_6Mj2-ghXuQK6anW/s320/his+mercies+are+new+every+morning.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We here at the Davis Farm will continue to walk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> that road that leads to peace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_s4hTypwAS1e2Ks5Dlc_-blafrpV5Sh-VqIShYWIN4oFdSM4sL-B2bt-i-n8J_m_rmkgNTTHJgi_SQxLd4g33_MHolRKzo8uTJvNPqzw08fLOyMnPPrNb7ro5M24OzomsK2DwAR2sPer/s1600/Road+to+the+river.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_s4hTypwAS1e2Ks5Dlc_-blafrpV5Sh-VqIShYWIN4oFdSM4sL-B2bt-i-n8J_m_rmkgNTTHJgi_SQxLd4g33_MHolRKzo8uTJvNPqzw08fLOyMnPPrNb7ro5M24OzomsK2DwAR2sPer/s400/Road+to+the+river.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We will stand firm in hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We long for you to know that hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The laying down. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>All. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>To surrender. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>All.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">To the One who longs to pick you up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Who went to the Cross. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>For All. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">That assurance of knowing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matthew 7:13-14</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.</span></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-56312322726914272772016-06-23T09:41:00.001-04:002016-06-23T09:41:28.020-04:00Saying, "Yes", When You Want to Scream, "No"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Elijah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They say his name. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cleaning out a closet they find something that was his. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Elijah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just want to hear his name called. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I miss saying it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see when your son is taken. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things change. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when they mention his name. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart skips a beat. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17 years of memories. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His future just beginning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I long for that which I can not have. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We're going to the drive in. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A place I have avoided. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A place I have tried to find excuses not to go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's worked. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was no easy way to say no. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend asked if we wanted to go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our families. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Together. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Feeling brave. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I said, "yes".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later my friend, so sensitive,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> recognized that this might be hard. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told her it was ok. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is ok to journey to the the last place my son went. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The drive in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The night h</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e never came home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He couldn't find his debit card. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I raided our "laundry money". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was so excited. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His girl friend was home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He hadn't seen her in weeks. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">July 27. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He went. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never to return. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His bed empty. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A heart ache that never ends. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My life forever changed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here I am. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Almost 3 years later. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is not here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He resides with the King of All Kings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>And I miss him.</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get tired of the missing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get tired of wanting our family to be whole. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In so many ways the LORD has reached down and soothed that ache. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has allowed me much grace to walk this road. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has never left our side. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His presence felt when the way is hard. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Yet this I fight against. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The driven in. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't want to do this. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a place I do not want to go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isn't that the way? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We fight what we need to go through. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pain of growing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Becoming more like him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all I've ever wanted. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was to be like Him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A heart that yields. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A life well lived. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will do yet another hard thing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This missing is hard work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because you spend your time trying not to miss. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trying to be whole. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh how sweet the LORD is as he reaches down and comforts us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we do the hard thing,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> God shows up in ways we could not imagine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He offers grace. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made new memories at the drive in. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuCDcAV_iN6-BJzozpPuP6R9vkyv5wDyPZi4PeSGExyLpik076OuzdFf8D_rqmpsBwjxgQ8K30jgWwaD7v-0KYNHoIaBiZMKoXcH6_vZ6ayawMTLV6qHw2-Ow4LWGEDzA1WihYPuRWm75/s1600/drive+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuCDcAV_iN6-BJzozpPuP6R9vkyv5wDyPZi4PeSGExyLpik076OuzdFf8D_rqmpsBwjxgQ8K30jgWwaD7v-0KYNHoIaBiZMKoXcH6_vZ6ayawMTLV6qHw2-Ow4LWGEDzA1WihYPuRWm75/s320/drive+in.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ones I will cherish forever. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Grab hold of the journey God has placed you on. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He will guide your steps. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He's never promised it would be easy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But he has promised to travel with you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't be afraid of the hard things. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stop putting off what needs to be done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He will carry you when you can't go further. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He will hold you like no other. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are held. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He will reach the deepest parts and fill them with His Holy Spirit. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Standing on those promises today. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>And a lot of coffee. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Because going to the drive in means a late night.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Won't you join me? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Standing on those promises? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Exodus 14:14</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Natalie Grant</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Held</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;">Who told us we'd be rescued</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.12px;">What has changed and</span></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.12px;">Why should we be saved from nightmares</span></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.12px;">Were asking why this happens to us</span></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.12px;">Who have died to live, it's unfair</span></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.12px;">This is what it means to be held</span></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.12px;">How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life</span></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.12px;">And you survive</span></div>
</span></span></i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"That the promise was, when everything fell,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We'd be held..."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-9522804825065693862016-06-19T07:20:00.001-04:002016-06-19T07:24:36.025-04:00Turning Father's Day Right Side Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rising early each morning, my farmer heads to the barn.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Never complaining. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgLRrQUJ-EAOsFs1vhBOSjqBlujoITvCq5Z6aloKVmVK0imRK2VzPgaKT8epzD9P14faTtNxQ0nyINsL0tMAJopefxmiYx-97Yjyhl1hUTJSAB_FiWsvS8niCq-PrN0FN-83m8u-sum4n/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgLRrQUJ-EAOsFs1vhBOSjqBlujoITvCq5Z6aloKVmVK0imRK2VzPgaKT8epzD9P14faTtNxQ0nyINsL0tMAJopefxmiYx-97Yjyhl1hUTJSAB_FiWsvS8niCq-PrN0FN-83m8u-sum4n/s320/IMG_1940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Morning his favorite time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's never upset to milk alone. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He takes his time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enjoying the quiet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our children have appreciated this time as well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Moments spent with their father beneath a sea of stars. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The chill of the early morning; stimulating. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walking with purpose. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cows to bring to the barn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lSjsHRnh60EM-0MVgPJ4FMuYAGeoZuJjg5292MnlhLY227G4rxzBXoiiSzk8F0Zwa4cINcrLVVLaDIN8WQzss5JJPDCkKok_BVPJvWsOK8WA2WHeFWX4dSMoeTjy5oEnUWk2Sj236lfe/s1600/cows+across+from++carrie+and+erics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lSjsHRnh60EM-0MVgPJ4FMuYAGeoZuJjg5292MnlhLY227G4rxzBXoiiSzk8F0Zwa4cINcrLVVLaDIN8WQzss5JJPDCkKok_BVPJvWsOK8WA2WHeFWX4dSMoeTjy5oEnUWk2Sj236lfe/s1600/cows+across+from++carrie+and+erics.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wildlife. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unfamiliar sounds. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All part of the memory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our journey to Organic Certification complete.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has been quite an experience. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Still waiting for that first check. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many cows dry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Making cash flow so difficult. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Milk prices so low. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The waiting seeming to take forever. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've learned much in this transition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet my farmer stays steadfast. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The farm is a great teacher. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Patient. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yielding. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Strong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Demanding. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much like my farmer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much like my father. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much like my father in law. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three influential men in my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three men I learned from. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each sharing unique pieces of my Heavenly Father. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My father, this year, will spend Father's Day in heaven. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQoQ0nVMco615TvWSJeZGIc-wpOBwJXohDsWnoad3GNAYrfoCi_uxNVFk1_QuNP97JDO9rth4cBGtLBixSzzary1NMaINW82eDJVZ0atFa645iunZ8XvIsoFBZe0eVZ7rmeuPuoEhr6Xi/s1600/Butch+in+the+backyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQoQ0nVMco615TvWSJeZGIc-wpOBwJXohDsWnoad3GNAYrfoCi_uxNVFk1_QuNP97JDO9rth4cBGtLBixSzzary1NMaINW82eDJVZ0atFa645iunZ8XvIsoFBZe0eVZ7rmeuPuoEhr6Xi/s320/Butch+in+the+backyard.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It will be 3 weeks tomorrow since he journeyed home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sweet reunions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His mind fluid. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rejoicing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This brings a sense of peace to my soul. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The memory thief had taken so much. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My Father in law also resides with the King of Kings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x-LVrmKMhkXXZ1nD38TUwsqWQkwcwQTjmwvaTzWE9-RbVWREFMXPw2am0lZPX2FNbkXD_8hFdYBigbRXs2m3H9rDFwtozKwRNMacB0thhnHS_cQWMgek4iyiFUjJv3m8gJReKuhyphenhyphenDQ2g/s1600/Clayton+and+Shirley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x-LVrmKMhkXXZ1nD38TUwsqWQkwcwQTjmwvaTzWE9-RbVWREFMXPw2am0lZPX2FNbkXD_8hFdYBigbRXs2m3H9rDFwtozKwRNMacB0thhnHS_cQWMgek4iyiFUjJv3m8gJReKuhyphenhyphenDQ2g/s320/Clayton+and+Shirley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A hard working man who loved fiercely with out words. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Who worked 2 jobs to provide for his family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A man who bowed low to the King of Kings with all his being. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wake this morning with the goal of a Thankful heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Each moment will be captivated by gratitude. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will push away grief. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>With the help of Holy Spirit this day will be beautiful. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My farmer;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9NCZnaejuX85kfwlgAltv55VBvMDSvoy9-kKqFG0XSCTrOJGj6bl2tGEcs_4ItBH-3nFLEIeqrOsMrTDddQGR6pYWEBmY8jEtDijO1Bs5Btj40idZCIeSV8YOVwmuq4W7Efoxik0tyYr/s1600/Dad+and+the+girls+at+Jays+wedding+up+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9NCZnaejuX85kfwlgAltv55VBvMDSvoy9-kKqFG0XSCTrOJGj6bl2tGEcs_4ItBH-3nFLEIeqrOsMrTDddQGR6pYWEBmY8jEtDijO1Bs5Btj40idZCIeSV8YOVwmuq4W7Efoxik0tyYr/s320/Dad+and+the+girls+at+Jays+wedding+up+close.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is an amazing dad. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHDplIekbGXbtiVIP2cRHiy0Xj1_kgSziIRrjdeMN0TjmLB7_5o6lczwQyCI6h3ZSvc5pDh3H9pdPkgikpCpVqDVownoepSshQYAZvWsJdb9BKZ5UXijSTU4J-a742ZI0IzJjcnWO_AiC/s1600/Gary+and+Chelsea+on+the+1+90+for+the+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHDplIekbGXbtiVIP2cRHiy0Xj1_kgSziIRrjdeMN0TjmLB7_5o6lczwQyCI6h3ZSvc5pDh3H9pdPkgikpCpVqDVownoepSshQYAZvWsJdb9BKZ5UXijSTU4J-a742ZI0IzJjcnWO_AiC/s320/Gary+and+Chelsea+on+the+1+90+for+the+wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His selfless dedication to our family; a gift. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His daughter has chosen well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvVF6_oW7syLqQfhEWYESBtr4P2EkodHB9kp6OZzgrhiykz1iCoPdW2xhUWxVLCVMR8VBhrNSXV2xGZzZvmAG0jxkf-XCeZlHBRMiiG6Xfn4zJWsWJVKOPABAoEzP15bvo45mL3BCtvjC/s1600/Adam+and+Lilah+having+a+tea+party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvVF6_oW7syLqQfhEWYESBtr4P2EkodHB9kp6OZzgrhiykz1iCoPdW2xhUWxVLCVMR8VBhrNSXV2xGZzZvmAG0jxkf-XCeZlHBRMiiG6Xfn4zJWsWJVKOPABAoEzP15bvo45mL3BCtvjC/s400/Adam+and+Lilah+having+a+tea+party.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fatherhood embraced. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His love for the Lord and this land deeply embedded in his soul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2015/06/when-you-need-to-search-for-joy-on.html" target="_blank">Today we honor these men. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am grateful for each of their part in helping to shape who I am today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am deeply grateful to my heavenly Father for allowing me to have had such wonderful men in my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">May you choose today to find joy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To take what may have been broken and see the strength </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">gained from a hard walk. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Take time to seek the good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let God shape you in His image. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our broken parts become beautiful in light of His grace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1971/june-18/christian-father.html?start=2" target="_blank">In 1971,Elisabeth Elliot,</a> had this to say about Fathers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1971/june-18/christian-father.html?start=2" target="_blank">Article on Fathers, by Elisabeth Elliot</a></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 147:1</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God,</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> how pleasant and fitting to praise him!</span></i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-39864237561046127572016-06-18T17:50:00.002-04:002016-06-18T17:50:39.553-04:00Forced Seclusion Begins a Much Needed De-Cluttering<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm forced to seclusion.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My allergies overpowering. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My air conditioned bedroom; my reprieve.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Haying, lawn mowing, beautiful blossoms;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">all causing me discomfort. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, I head to my bedroom. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On a gloriously sunny day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am forced to look at the clutter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The piles of clothes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The boxes of paper. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of it needing to go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I begin the process. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cards sent when our world shattered. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When our first born son was called to glory at 17. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When cancer threatened to take a good man down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When the joy thief knocked harshly on my farmers door. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cards of encouragement. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cards with gifts and letters sharing stories. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hold these in my hand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I remember little from this time. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6n35kG4M-woVk8eNvOD2QhNV08mQK_RKqVtrEG_1DquIEpjIknaVMbr2RgZR09pbd7OWBedfSfhrXrsUgVwYWZMm-_0BBRYg3uFU5Fs4BklDlo6oidpO6sYJ_pOE9gqTkZE4fTRRrWwx9/s1600/wake+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6n35kG4M-woVk8eNvOD2QhNV08mQK_RKqVtrEG_1DquIEpjIknaVMbr2RgZR09pbd7OWBedfSfhrXrsUgVwYWZMm-_0BBRYg3uFU5Fs4BklDlo6oidpO6sYJ_pOE9gqTkZE4fTRRrWwx9/s400/wake+2.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't want to part with these cards. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lists of thank you's to write.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Never written. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Because how do you thank 100's of people?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Notes from meals left on our door step. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unknown. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These papers slip through my fingers to the recycling. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think on that time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I allow the grief to wash over me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I clear a space on the floor. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It's been two years since I have seen that space. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I feel a bit lighter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I continue through the box. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I find the thank you notes Elijah had written and not sent. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjeb-aFPHlr2MgOR-EITjhT0pmpxugavh-PhWDfkjcWcOUF9dktjix7lTcx8qegBr-lMb5Fpm2X9wU8RTAKgMZZbOYzinir4ngZSP2ufOO1_NytbD5u56AH0AxYHqOVa0y_CtCW-jsem0/s1600/Elijah%2527s+thank+you+notes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjeb-aFPHlr2MgOR-EITjhT0pmpxugavh-PhWDfkjcWcOUF9dktjix7lTcx8qegBr-lMb5Fpm2X9wU8RTAKgMZZbOYzinir4ngZSP2ufOO1_NytbD5u56AH0AxYHqOVa0y_CtCW-jsem0/s320/Elijah%2527s+thank+you+notes.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His handwriting. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So unique. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The tears well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to stop. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I feel overwhelmed with<a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2015/08/conquer-clutter.html" target="_blank"> the enormity of the amount of clutter.</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The memories. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I continue on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I must.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The mess and the clutter in this room are weighing me down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I am a prisoner; held by clutter and things. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Held by dust and and the inability to vacuum or walk safely. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is agonizing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to hold on to these cards forever. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to go back. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/07/we-had-visitors-other-night.html" target="_blank">I want my son back. </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want my world to be normal again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before death. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before cancer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we were whole and intact. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I let the tears flow. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think about Elijah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh, how I miss him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This seems so cruel. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The loss of a child. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I get to the bottom of the box. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have found 2 gift cards given to us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have read words of beautiful encouragement. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Strength; in words. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Strangers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friends. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All holding us close. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I reach the end of the second box. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The piles; diminishing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I save a few things and find a home for them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hang clothes and throw away ripped items. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I let go of recycling and reusing for a few minutes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The guilt is overwhelming. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But I persevere. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This needs to be done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I continue to read cards sent from all over. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>My soul finds peace. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I breathe deeply the reminder that <a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2015/03/umm-our-plans-are-not-going-according.html" target="_blank">God will never leave us nor forsake us.</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Isaiah 41:10</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Words that I have listened to over and over. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Words that I have read and been strengthened by. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My allergies have calmed down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I continue to sort through the piles. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day by day and moment by moment I will conquer this clutter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I begin to let go of the things that have controlled me for so long. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been good to go through this <a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/02/all-clutter-is-not-equal.html" target="_blank">de-cluttering process.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will continue to press on in this journey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Philippians 3:14</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i> me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-68119838050458820612016-06-11T07:48:00.001-04:002016-06-11T11:15:53.793-04:00When You Become the Same Age as Your Brother<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's turning 17.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That farm boy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-WkJvCpxyhTfFDigUU5jAop7V4EHlKAUlRqK9k608zb8HzGOIKn_6F-lZZswhm3ZLWADDKWRhp2icELPZlz3x49RB_n1dTuvMq8J9Z4YHNML7Jhmz0xppNnfOj-eA8HZQxzwMkH7o4h4/s1600/Gary+and+Cedric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-WkJvCpxyhTfFDigUU5jAop7V4EHlKAUlRqK9k608zb8HzGOIKn_6F-lZZswhm3ZLWADDKWRhp2icELPZlz3x49RB_n1dTuvMq8J9Z4YHNML7Jhmz0xppNnfOj-eA8HZQxzwMkH7o4h4/s320/Gary+and+Cedric.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/07/finding-fullness-of-joy.html" target="_blank">The same age as his brother. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9QbHwqrpoECOxpNXXqhDx5l9_zR3EMmZW2Vg4a8Ri_9ApyHR7Xd0SQvJBOFUWbJ4wroNbbn8-HjBHCTqTkCwIyx0CKkAQdzQUsZXeYI_rxUaoXevQ1tAq0ggq9XrNyUVejvaJNN2Ymi1/s1600/13238956_240227793017227_5056474112777117115_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9QbHwqrpoECOxpNXXqhDx5l9_zR3EMmZW2Vg4a8Ri_9ApyHR7Xd0SQvJBOFUWbJ4wroNbbn8-HjBHCTqTkCwIyx0CKkAQdzQUsZXeYI_rxUaoXevQ1tAq0ggq9XrNyUVejvaJNN2Ymi1/s320/13238956_240227793017227_5056474112777117115_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No longer here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z2e6FbqRZD9orZvB4jHs7DI5beNa6n7hjGROLB6qs0QW7N91N7pfw-Ph1y4vDw0lC2RhBITQf4B1C-6_Cp3mkVhC_a_D0Sim9KtlYG82h0C95Tr2dyyUc-YmEHc09DIOdIzbrK4eo9bQ/s1600/Elijah+and+Cedric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z2e6FbqRZD9orZvB4jHs7DI5beNa6n7hjGROLB6qs0QW7N91N7pfw-Ph1y4vDw0lC2RhBITQf4B1C-6_Cp3mkVhC_a_D0Sim9KtlYG82h0C95Tr2dyyUc-YmEHc09DIOdIzbrK4eo9bQ/s320/Elijah+and+Cedric.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The two so similar.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet so different. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>My heart aches. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The farm boy is full of ideas.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So creative.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Full of energy and youth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He loves deeply.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Plays hard.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Confident. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddo8-iCLEy0Qtojch6yf9Zot31yI8yXHai7HeO3nRPyHXYMPw0XpZ5RGPFc3BooQ556jByWUkoOlk3AriSpiynyEJz7Sz7rsA2BpBBwHWQvagPUiXVNKxAR7XovqQDgnc2vPYuFYWZLTM/s1600/Cedric+and+the+tractors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddo8-iCLEy0Qtojch6yf9Zot31yI8yXHai7HeO3nRPyHXYMPw0XpZ5RGPFc3BooQ556jByWUkoOlk3AriSpiynyEJz7Sz7rsA2BpBBwHWQvagPUiXVNKxAR7XovqQDgnc2vPYuFYWZLTM/s320/Cedric+and+the+tractors.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet is haunted by the joy thief. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He rises to fight. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He digs deep to keep two feet planted. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's growing corn; trading vehicles. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Making payments on a tractor. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Building his future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr85PsF7-nV_m_cVelKg-wkQA_eIftlaTZAB8v27F5u21McFPv_9hy-MGY1irJK2kk-Josx25AkNy1dLvU6Nl0aps0J8NfDThm4yieHna53h3dzbhhN4Icidb1CaPqJ7AzqLJq68eK2b3y/s1600/Cedric%2527s+welding+projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr85PsF7-nV_m_cVelKg-wkQA_eIftlaTZAB8v27F5u21McFPv_9hy-MGY1irJK2kk-Josx25AkNy1dLvU6Nl0aps0J8NfDThm4yieHna53h3dzbhhN4Icidb1CaPqJ7AzqLJq68eK2b3y/s320/Cedric%2527s+welding+projects.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet these things he holds lightly in view of eternity. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because that's his desire. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A life lived in surrender. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>No matter the struggle. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While he works to create his path,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> he rests in the One who is making that path. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I watch as the farm boy heads out the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dPAywXuIkL2s9oBLiwImooy2ITcOHncBHna4I6FfDRi8SgEqSGbtQ6-49ZvB5062M0wTcIpTEtL3eXeQyhIQ7219I4w-TyNLQTsU1nN0jOHEeGbXiak7oirgffm3YiamE3A1-JCc87KQ/s1600/Cedric+as+a+new+born.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dPAywXuIkL2s9oBLiwImooy2ITcOHncBHna4I6FfDRi8SgEqSGbtQ6-49ZvB5062M0wTcIpTEtL3eXeQyhIQ7219I4w-TyNLQTsU1nN0jOHEeGbXiak7oirgffm3YiamE3A1-JCc87KQ/s320/Cedric+as+a+new+born.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think about the day he was born. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Labor beginning just as the alarm sounds to head to the barn at 3 a.m.. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His arrival at 4:19 a.m.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Born just as milking begins. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quick.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's grown about 5 inches this year. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No longer a young boy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's a man. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And it's hard on the mama. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to fight his battles. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want the world to be nice to him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to shield him from the death of his brother and everything else.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's my boy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>But he is God's boy first. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And long ago on a Sunday morning I handed over the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">authority to the One who called us to life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I surrendered this beautiful child to the King of all Kings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remember that vow. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hold tightly to knowing God is fighting for him;<i> more than me.</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is rejoicing over him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Zephaniah 3:17</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">The </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">your God is with you,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-17" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">the Mighty Warrior who saves.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">He will take great delight</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22838B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22838B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">in you;</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-17" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">in his love he will no longer rebuke you,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 0;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-17" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">but will rejoice over you with singing.</span></i></div>
<div class="version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px;">
<div class="poetry top-05" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So today, I rejoice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some day it won't be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I walk the path of gratitude for his life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I shake off the "what ifs". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Birthday Cedric Trevor Davis. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You are a gift and a treasure. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I looking forward to how God will use you for His glory. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you for your energy and zest in this life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>May your blue eyes always twinkle. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-22242453114350937402016-06-09T06:32:00.002-04:002016-06-09T07:55:51.172-04:00Do You Ever Feel Like You're Just Spinning Plates? <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You know that time, just before the sunrise?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When there seems to be a hush. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-LL8kCnm_l7x-QaQ-JlhFdTq96okD8EQemydy18RRzqcD3nbon5Uf53n2y5cUVw6XqaojEQubmL6qXWx3AONefZ4DGh4NXdM3cdvMmZ2KWfnGbXK83IktzTPfIXOEPKsaxYQT-eZ0Zp2/s1600/sunrise+through+a+hay+bale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-LL8kCnm_l7x-QaQ-JlhFdTq96okD8EQemydy18RRzqcD3nbon5Uf53n2y5cUVw6XqaojEQubmL6qXWx3AONefZ4DGh4NXdM3cdvMmZ2KWfnGbXK83IktzTPfIXOEPKsaxYQT-eZ0Zp2/s320/sunrise+through+a+hay+bale.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time stands still before the day break. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yeah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I missed it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I slept until 6:41. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I woke with a splitting headache. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wanted to burrow back under the covers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You see. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love to sleep. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I LOVE to go to bed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I look forward all day to going to bed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I may have written about this once or twice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love to climb in to bed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Book in hand. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Words woven into story or thought before me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quiet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A time when it's ok to rest. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The feeling of needing to be productive;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ended for a few moments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But I love to rise early. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This morning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I recoiled at being awake. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Already behind. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>No quiet time. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I missed the beauty of the sunrise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxyMf3GHBI_BMH0cqNOINvsfM1dP21v_tok1BKaOIMvQMMhAwfw9Dh1pf28uMLZeLWASJIYqrnZ_xFQSJIlF5JUfg2jPo18qJ6PvsRxQ1Mv6hpWG-Tk1Uhb9BcP84yp2oeVXHvHNBPIMA/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxyMf3GHBI_BMH0cqNOINvsfM1dP21v_tok1BKaOIMvQMMhAwfw9Dh1pf28uMLZeLWASJIYqrnZ_xFQSJIlF5JUfg2jPo18qJ6PvsRxQ1Mv6hpWG-Tk1Uhb9BcP84yp2oeVXHvHNBPIMA/s320/IMG_2073.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Coffee a necessity rather than a luxury. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Isn't that the way?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When it's a luxury it is still wonderful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A treasure. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A gift. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Coffee; because I want it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quiet time because it's available. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But when the day starts hard and you're behind;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Coffee is a necessity and you run the list fast through your mind. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The tyranny of the urgent. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I bark sharply. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Breakfast, devotions, lunches, dishwasher, laundry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remembering that when you make yogurt,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> you need to make sure you have a starter before you begin the process. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Chickens. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spin those plates. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Keep it all going. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't let it fall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I breathe. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is not how I want life to be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even when I wake late. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even when the coffee is the necessity. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want my life seasoned with grace. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even when there's deadlines. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I breathe. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>These are the moments that can be the holiest all day. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The most chaotic moments of the day might also be the holiest. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When your heart races and things are chaotic.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you're behind and feel out of control. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>That's when He can do His work. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It comes in the surrender. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Knowing that even though all is spinning wildly;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>He is not. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He, is still in control.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is digging deep. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I sip the coffee. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I breathe deeply. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I speak gratitude. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The pace slows. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Order (what little I have) returns.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am choosing the way that is filled with the Holy Spirit. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The way that keeps my feet light. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That allows me to be used by God at any moment. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am holding loosely to the things of this world. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am ready. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With open hands. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Just Breathe</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jonny Diaz</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hnjeMwxFuBA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hnjeMwxFuBA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-31655073715717276582016-06-06T06:38:00.000-04:002016-06-06T06:43:41.097-04:00Saying Good Bye is Never Easy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The call came early Monday morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A week ago.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Memorial Day. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The catch in his voice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I knew. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hoped it was something else. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some other reason. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My brother had called to share that our </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">beloved Dad had journeyed to be with the Lord. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gone; from this earth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeuPczi2FktvSw7LoJyuEu3pxFfb8Ou7ElAjPl3JCF-ry4yYZGdaAF5CTqTqns_bE33nmAHH1mJWaJjrEPfIGyoXQpLNOVcP6aEDBiEjjTNuFBCEsXit4kDq0y2BDA2e0bcdAWgmos_-g/s1600/dad+and+his+birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeuPczi2FktvSw7LoJyuEu3pxFfb8Ou7ElAjPl3JCF-ry4yYZGdaAF5CTqTqns_bE33nmAHH1mJWaJjrEPfIGyoXQpLNOVcP6aEDBiEjjTNuFBCEsXit4kDq0y2BDA2e0bcdAWgmos_-g/s320/dad+and+his+birthday+cake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That deep ache; the constant pain rubbed raw. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another loss. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The walk of grief well worn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The path of gratitude in need of work. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I begin the journey to my dad. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This time to say good bye. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Making arrangements all so familiar. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My brothers and I worked together to honor our dad. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We laughed at memories. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We rejoiced over sweet reunions in heaven. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7z6kJpbZ-f8sQRRJRjvrUmvjBvh1Z-x2dJHlvOsp1rMhNnjLiuIYPKyuaBKcKp5z5OWV9mTcOp1o2FeZQIBSqK3AhN2izNnzjjmfFnamtlLbTOxj-n0dRdZI6-9ip585tezUoPJ7UmWN/s1600/mom+and+dad+Thanksgiving+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7z6kJpbZ-f8sQRRJRjvrUmvjBvh1Z-x2dJHlvOsp1rMhNnjLiuIYPKyuaBKcKp5z5OWV9mTcOp1o2FeZQIBSqK3AhN2izNnzjjmfFnamtlLbTOxj-n0dRdZI6-9ip585tezUoPJ7UmWN/s320/mom+and+dad+Thanksgiving+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The time together is good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My farmer and the rest of the kids join us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These moments; are defining. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Setting the stage for the journey ahead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our parents are gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vnmC2CMaILb0mgN7juHWPT11slQQHeiFwuIHtRFH279l2kN7CDFwSdbE44WxClHV13K0b8b0VGkFFckrt_GDcKj8NfKz1vEN7l_Wk3CEjVeXmCIhCmDDys9HP3ztXaXhZJIlDzFW0v1G/s1600/mom+and+dad+on+the+190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vnmC2CMaILb0mgN7juHWPT11slQQHeiFwuIHtRFH279l2kN7CDFwSdbE44WxClHV13K0b8b0VGkFFckrt_GDcKj8NfKz1vEN7l_Wk3CEjVeXmCIhCmDDys9HP3ztXaXhZJIlDzFW0v1G/s320/mom+and+dad+on+the+190.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We now, the Senior members.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With Military Honors we lay dad to rest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljxHTo8o-33wsIosZWc94_b31DecmKsp9iN56pqXgf9Qom9pzWOcrCkGRZQ6dI5EGIcaQsRbjDkgh9AhJCmVEiVWGNx8dN25NzeD6m-DwEDIq9GHpCRJwRt36tINe0oYYtEnLU0LzcVZU/s1600/Aiden+getting+Grandpa%2527s+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljxHTo8o-33wsIosZWc94_b31DecmKsp9iN56pqXgf9Qom9pzWOcrCkGRZQ6dI5EGIcaQsRbjDkgh9AhJCmVEiVWGNx8dN25NzeD6m-DwEDIq9GHpCRJwRt36tINe0oYYtEnLU0LzcVZU/s320/Aiden+getting+Grandpa%2527s+flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We turn from that Cemetery for the 2nd time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We leave behind our parents. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ones who gave us life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Who poured into our beings to make us who we are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">69 and 73. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both seem too young. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet both in God's timing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both rejoicing with Elijah. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We begin our journey back to my brother's house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time; ever moving forward. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The march. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The necessity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is still much to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A home full of memories; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">needing to be sorted and dispersed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn8ajkmv5tcd9ZF4EOFvYpTUCbHRFOYb2vhDt4Jt6EI-16iD1unfj54yuIXt7MbSjyyc_1KlnAdf8j5iLVzYRmxJUf3R4MVaCDcCiRRcrTojDCx3isyJe735R-MW4vYIF22hJ8GDYe2r6/s1600/mom+and+dad%2527s+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn8ajkmv5tcd9ZF4EOFvYpTUCbHRFOYb2vhDt4Jt6EI-16iD1unfj54yuIXt7MbSjyyc_1KlnAdf8j5iLVzYRmxJUf3R4MVaCDcCiRRcrTojDCx3isyJe735R-MW4vYIF22hJ8GDYe2r6/s320/mom+and+dad%2527s+house.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A strange process.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We part ways again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My brothers and I. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me back to my family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They to theirs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All of us changed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These losses continually remind me;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <i><b>we were not meant for death. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our journey; Life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life everlasting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All that is within us recoils at death. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The pain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ache. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our purpose is life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> My heart is heavy and I am sad. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There has not been much time to grieve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A friend sent a note. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dad's death a double sorrow. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She's so right. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The memory thief steals the mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Death steals the body. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But God holds them both. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We now, are the memory keepers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And those memories were beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A legacy of life and fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Service and faith. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you Dad for your service to this country. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbPEtUh_9dhEHCBdfzbWwMguIOgH9vjg60GhNjoApbUsesM4tND5kY7HUpnejY6JZ8ejlSEe5HlkxycnMeMjhlE8wz19vLm1SAd0qmb_jlsmFx3mllRaCXNInL_WT-i0RfImUHe34AOQD/s1600/Dads+flag+at+half+mast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbPEtUh_9dhEHCBdfzbWwMguIOgH9vjg60GhNjoApbUsesM4tND5kY7HUpnejY6JZ8ejlSEe5HlkxycnMeMjhlE8wz19vLm1SAd0qmb_jlsmFx3mllRaCXNInL_WT-i0RfImUHe34AOQD/s320/Dads+flag+at+half+mast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you for instilling that love is us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are grateful for the love of the ocean and family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No matter how hard things get; we stick together. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I feel weary. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weary from the weight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grief heavy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grief is work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Taking those wise words from my dad,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/03/chin-up-shoulders-straight-advice-from.html" target="_blank">Chin up, shoulders straight, fly right. </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks dad. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 136:1</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">His love endures forever.</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-91167684558170642462016-05-26T06:54:00.001-04:002016-05-26T06:54:18.398-04:00To Hold the Moment<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The petals danced in the wind. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pale, pink blossoms showering the yard. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spinning, whirling.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj8VZSCmf1_1fZLpjdTL_q5Cut-hHbjrCnWYAzvr7XHqNayINkMi9ajrmoFBFIIWVL_qmesVWYZFEG_DjfNuic6NZ6s53XNbk0y8vwIgHTCk14qTR6Sqrs2ALUxiImwQthLNE4oEBcKDv/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj8VZSCmf1_1fZLpjdTL_q5Cut-hHbjrCnWYAzvr7XHqNayINkMi9ajrmoFBFIIWVL_qmesVWYZFEG_DjfNuic6NZ6s53XNbk0y8vwIgHTCk14qTR6Sqrs2ALUxiImwQthLNE4oEBcKDv/s320/IMG_2151.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Images of Anne of Green Gables</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The White Way of Delight</i> flutter through my mind. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Delightful visions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This tree. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This moment. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to hold it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The beauty.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqoKUtfTra-zZjbXKm1yEKadFe-CRPmyXzPoaTJGkX7jbq_oW1k7SJPBX08jI8tL1I1WzeCPOize4610jeyp6pJFFejln_FYAwDmqc_LA6TfuA-jCD6ob_Gh0G57c8k8uo0qm2nQVsAwP/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqoKUtfTra-zZjbXKm1yEKadFe-CRPmyXzPoaTJGkX7jbq_oW1k7SJPBX08jI8tL1I1WzeCPOize4610jeyp6pJFFejln_FYAwDmqc_LA6TfuA-jCD6ob_Gh0G57c8k8uo0qm2nQVsAwP/s320/IMG_2146.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To behold. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If we choose. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I may have missed the significance;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">closed my eyes to what needed to be seen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We dash through life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Event to event. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Attempts to numb pain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Create a rush. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Rare do we pause; </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>until moments like this;</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>create the occasion to see.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The magnitude of loss; still present, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the waiting on ct scans and organic transition still there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But for a moment. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Time stood still. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The holy touched the earth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Something greater than myself spoke life and</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> breath into the deepest place in my being. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A moment that transcended this life as we know it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I Chronicles 16:29</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">Give unto the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"> the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"> in the beauty of holiness.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-30052339094335524852016-05-25T07:13:00.000-04:002016-05-25T08:43:03.392-04:00Step into His Grace<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am a mama who lost her mama. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nine years of cancer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The final stages. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Brutal.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You say death with dignity?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My mama endured pain; with grace. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She clung to her Jesus. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Knowing He knew her name.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Knowing He would call her name when time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We; her children; grew strong. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We cared for this mama of ours. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We guided our dad as the memory thief silently crept in. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We watched our mama as her systems shut down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We watched her stand in the Powerful name of Jesus, with arms lifted high at her grandchild's baptism. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We cried out to God to call her home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We wept. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For all that has been and never will be again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am a mama who lost her son 7 months later. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The irony. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I begged for my mama to be called home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My beloved red head was called </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in the wee hours of a Sunday morning; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">while I slept. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNchiveIQI2LWBwguNhSpmU_FKHKIIdFk_cpFmMKl4FY6EADjcvmG6M4PiLp_f_kmSPE6Q7ZZzHJbkKzzxsJhvTwuRdKC6-fnERD8LaQfZ0ZlgNCOFgfC8u9YwxrD9dPvnmhYpD5wc07R/s1600/His+mercies+are+new+every+morning+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNchiveIQI2LWBwguNhSpmU_FKHKIIdFk_cpFmMKl4FY6EADjcvmG6M4PiLp_f_kmSPE6Q7ZZzHJbkKzzxsJhvTwuRdKC6-fnERD8LaQfZ0ZlgNCOFgfC8u9YwxrD9dPvnmhYpD5wc07R/s320/His+mercies+are+new+every+morning+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No warning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCKrcEtJhwjwMrlrefFMmHcX57dE-Qxyz8TJZCoFr18t9QqspeEdr-Wn1dTSCBSIPtT1tCTw5S8y2WxNwv1FygIlH1H3TqmmjPIoHJtGZUD9kJwoHNKEwecETQX7CL1kBMjxSLYPyMfre/s1600/his+mercies+are+new+every+morning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCKrcEtJhwjwMrlrefFMmHcX57dE-Qxyz8TJZCoFr18t9QqspeEdr-Wn1dTSCBSIPtT1tCTw5S8y2WxNwv1FygIlH1H3TqmmjPIoHJtGZUD9kJwoHNKEwecETQX7CL1kBMjxSLYPyMfre/s320/his+mercies+are+new+every+morning.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A life being lived. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A future just beginning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My mamas heart hurts. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It aches actually. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Burns deep. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The breathing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each moment choosing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Turning from the darkness that seeks to consume. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An abyss that calls. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The enemy desires discouragement and fear. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At every turn he longs for us to cave to the pressure. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The light though. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It shines. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the darkness. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just a small glimmer illuminates an immense area. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As that glimmer grows the work of God ensues. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The pain remains, yet held by the Almighty. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A buffer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The price paid on Calvary carrying us through. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ways of the world harsh at times. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though for a purpose. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One which we can not see.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Always moving forward. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In hope. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Clinging. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Always hope. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The way can get heavy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The path becomes dim. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hold on dear ones. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reach for the Light. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Illuminate that darkness with the hope sent for all. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Banish the fear. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He came to overcome. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He longs for time with us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He beckons. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I rest. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This weary journey gets me down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I turn. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To find rest. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To remember the battle is not mine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will overcome. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One day soon. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will come again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His promises. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Truth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His law.<br />Love. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our response. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Obedience. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In my weakness He is strong. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In my surrender he reigns. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joy finds me; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">comforts me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Those inner places of longing and ache are held by the One who sees. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Take courage my friends. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are held by a mighty God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nothing has escaped his sight. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He has not forgotten. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Waiting. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Longing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Step into his Grace. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hebrews 4:16</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.</i></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-31387508882593540132016-05-18T08:27:00.000-04:002016-05-18T08:30:12.164-04:00Reconstructing<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reconstructing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How to do dinner. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What the table looks like. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His car in the driveway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All how to live without my son. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each day.<br />Learning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The path. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God has ordained. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not my will. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But His. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And so I learn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While my heart misses. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I open my heart to the will of the Father. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A young teen plays Elijah's drum set at church.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A young man unaware of the story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_X5aJ0a8A_eEf3ly1IgHzF3DBj_uKmIx7_eQU65qHW5T0S__UTSN8gUyjPk8w5l7WJ95pNEWNKC7OEyvmbvAWKN3wEI_HMen7R-uCyc7rkV0yBnrArR8lKozBzcdaxRC8-8sc9SKnEQ1/s1600/Elijah+Drumming+collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_X5aJ0a8A_eEf3ly1IgHzF3DBj_uKmIx7_eQU65qHW5T0S__UTSN8gUyjPk8w5l7WJ95pNEWNKC7OEyvmbvAWKN3wEI_HMen7R-uCyc7rkV0yBnrArR8lKozBzcdaxRC8-8sc9SKnEQ1/s320/Elijah+Drumming+collage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Playing to Worship. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The same God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All for His Glory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I learn, to trust more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rest where there is chaos. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quiet when the screams seek to find a voice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Peace given. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A purpose beyond what I can see. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-88307189317303465262016-05-10T07:44:00.000-04:002016-05-10T07:44:17.139-04:00Calves! They're Everywhere! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sunshine spilled over the mountain this morning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50Ms0E_o5wxgukWaB-L6_mv_8NDStMS3pHVV9-j0d2liZatTTEcZMMeVKBXt0an4jv2ObuklIrnhXsA_PbzdGWLHjqtdAzUvkwCJysMm1cP-MZystUdHmIP1wQsRMdn9a_MFB8HGlEu5b/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50Ms0E_o5wxgukWaB-L6_mv_8NDStMS3pHVV9-j0d2liZatTTEcZMMeVKBXt0an4jv2ObuklIrnhXsA_PbzdGWLHjqtdAzUvkwCJysMm1cP-MZystUdHmIP1wQsRMdn9a_MFB8HGlEu5b/s320/IMG_1940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cool mornings force us to use heat. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hot coffee awaits me as I stumble to the kitchen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I run the schedule through my head. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I beat eggs and try not to burn toast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I burn eggs and the toast is safe. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I continue the run through of the schedule. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's school work and book work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Calves need to be feed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh those calves! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They're everywhere!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSvcUu12537HroP6tdblwjBpqc6YKuU-fG2WAFaqzE8bE4Y23mw-U1h0wWvAcdbMYcsbHOzGSI8SSqueliBwaOpO4gAnvD7K0F6gjgNQwgDQdztaMxLpFkln1HX18NUcbYxV3T7PpvbK9/s1600/13165871_10201554915990108_6245001978995341842_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSvcUu12537HroP6tdblwjBpqc6YKuU-fG2WAFaqzE8bE4Y23mw-U1h0wWvAcdbMYcsbHOzGSI8SSqueliBwaOpO4gAnvD7K0F6gjgNQwgDQdztaMxLpFkln1HX18NUcbYxV3T7PpvbK9/s400/13165871_10201554915990108_6245001978995341842_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRljhk9PefKIZzF1pEboVEZSsFViZlKYXIi414ZLGa8tu8DttWJolppJMDoYQIMGd-_sEq7u4MXjxTVHQjKskV0GLC4AMGVbBjAukkjMgbip96LTEkoB_mjG-VFYb4fcX_hvVjx5-zRlyb/s1600/13124642_10201554916350117_3058740034262627530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRljhk9PefKIZzF1pEboVEZSsFViZlKYXIi414ZLGa8tu8DttWJolppJMDoYQIMGd-_sEq7u4MXjxTVHQjKskV0GLC4AMGVbBjAukkjMgbip96LTEkoB_mjG-VFYb4fcX_hvVjx5-zRlyb/s400/13124642_10201554916350117_3058740034262627530_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Calves always mean Spring here on the farm. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Winter is shedding it's skin. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Milk production will return to a more comfortable place. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The "hold your breath" feelings dissipate a bit. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cash flow begins to improve. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year, however, we are in the final stages of transitioning to Organic. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This will complete a challenging year long process. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life is like that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Challenging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Needing to go the distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We can't be sure what will happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We can trust. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each calf that is born is a gift. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some days the mama's do what they were created to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">There are no problems. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Other days there is trauma and trouble. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The outcome not so pleasant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Through each of those births my farmer waits patiently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">He watches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">He lets the mama's do their thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPwkKu4IUXATjShvWFE8Dhbit6TsH0ODYXMfoVMeKtbpoHDuGsXpuYX1Z6aSRU8Q0O4GlnNX04uUxNwt5Z1LNeN_Eq4_M6gSt2BT6ZFvV-25JFUARTs__FJ7atw1bgsrcDtU5M_LGS95H/s1600/Cow+and+calf+5-19-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPwkKu4IUXATjShvWFE8Dhbit6TsH0ODYXMfoVMeKtbpoHDuGsXpuYX1Z6aSRU8Q0O4GlnNX04uUxNwt5Z1LNeN_Eq4_M6gSt2BT6ZFvV-25JFUARTs__FJ7atw1bgsrcDtU5M_LGS95H/s400/Cow+and+calf+5-19-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Yet he is never far. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It is the picture of our Holy God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">He is never far. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">He waits.<br />Patiently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Genesis 28:15</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have done what I have promised you."</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-50409510434024442612016-05-08T06:46:00.000-04:002016-05-08T10:12:15.116-04:00What to do with this Mother's Day Thing<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's Mother's Day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My mom and my mother in law reside with the King of all Kings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And the one who made me a mom lives there too. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I want to cry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to scream and throw a tantrum. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's just not fair. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I miss my son. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I miss my mom. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I miss my mother in law. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have much material for a pity party. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A real "whoa is me bash."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>What good is that? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is being accomplished?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jesus himself had much to complain about. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He was spit on, bruised and crucified as a common criminal. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet not once did he utter anything other than, "Not my will, but thine."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>That's how I want to live this life. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>"Not my will, but thine."</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't do this life well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I get angry quickly. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Slow drivers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Drivers who choose to not use a blinker. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's hard to extend grace. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I see faults often before success. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I am quick to speak and slow to think.</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Really.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Just ask my farmer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have an insatiable desire to be right. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hold tightly to things that bother me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Opening my hands and letting things go, are hard. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Basically, I am a mess.</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b> A mess that is loved by a Holy God. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When Mother's Day approaches it leaves me with a choice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My sister in law is experiencing her first Mother's Day without her son. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hate that she has to endure this. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The feeling of wanting to stomp and throw a fit is strong. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to rebel against the weight. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't want to celebrate this holiday. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once again I am struck by the use of "I". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When did it become all about me?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When has it ever been?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The very breath of the Savior brought my bones to life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The same Savior called me to himself and I bowed low to the call. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He has allowed tough things to pass through his fingers into my life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Who am I to accept the good but not the hard? </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Mother's Day is not about me or my feelings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is about the institution of Motherhood. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The need for all to be mothered. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whether God has filled your womb or not. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You are mother to someone. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every kind word you pass on. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each nurturing action; a gift. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your mother, like mine, may reside with the King of Kings.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet, God has provided woman after woman to fill that role for me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A kind word here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A gesture there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A hug. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A card. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A listening ear. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your son, or daughter, like mine, may reside also with the King of Kings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Deep ache. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Heart wrenching days and moments. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Searing pain like to other. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet, I had Elijah for 17 years. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Those years were beautiful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God has not for once left my side. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sometimes I don't feel his presence. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is a hard road to walk. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His promises tell us; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Isaiah 41:10</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.</span></i></span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This morning the choice was made for me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I woke and took that deep breath,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> that breath I take to get out of bed every morning; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">this is what I saw. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8RZXjx8jyNit6ImdfQLo3JhjOL2UDhK16Edw5G7oS5zdEQNRQ1hqYzCe8KxTmmACpwQscaX0-eC-hKo9qw6ZF6NsNABKwOg1vQjsWY8fvKPJ-Ym6uIM0XQuL6GsEPHnsrm8qJhbqJ1x5/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8RZXjx8jyNit6ImdfQLo3JhjOL2UDhK16Edw5G7oS5zdEQNRQ1hqYzCe8KxTmmACpwQscaX0-eC-hKo9qw6ZF6NsNABKwOg1vQjsWY8fvKPJ-Ym6uIM0XQuL6GsEPHnsrm8qJhbqJ1x5/s320/IMG_2073.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have 5 beautiful children still this side of heaven, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and 2 grand babies that I adore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My life is blessed with many young people</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> that bring me such immense joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Young people that remind me of the gift and treasure I had in Elijah. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is where I will choose to place my heart today. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Psalm 19:1</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The heavens declare the glory of God; </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>the skies proclaim the work of his hands.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbmRYHkBpyOr99RtK1gBw9-oTBPB6xpxglXIEjCCaTCGQT2Bqv9EbmiBWKrUgPWqKggce4xkaEFOrDE0SV7Qr73dhmxezQxPI4Lv8D2tRAyq0daU-cPFvcfql3TPx8iWBr3itSFLgGVBv/s1600/His+mercies+are+new+every+morning+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbmRYHkBpyOr99RtK1gBw9-oTBPB6xpxglXIEjCCaTCGQT2Bqv9EbmiBWKrUgPWqKggce4xkaEFOrDE0SV7Qr73dhmxezQxPI4Lv8D2tRAyq0daU-cPFvcfql3TPx8iWBr3itSFLgGVBv/s320/His+mercies+are+new+every+morning+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Photo taken July 28, 2013, the morning<a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/07/we-had-visitors-other-night.html" target="_blank"> Elijah met Jesus.)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI35lzDtU9NjcktaoiQ2SWprssKsFQPk6zx-AMXoDYKxTD-d1oFgAj83RA0J_HanFVUAIFnmO8v5TDppJSwSHH4icx12yTvaThb7FNvNu435sbC_a2ICdu2Q227dTIVJPnmGldiLcHpOn/s1600/his+mercies+are+new+every+morning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI35lzDtU9NjcktaoiQ2SWprssKsFQPk6zx-AMXoDYKxTD-d1oFgAj83RA0J_HanFVUAIFnmO8v5TDppJSwSHH4icx12yTvaThb7FNvNu435sbC_a2ICdu2Q227dTIVJPnmGldiLcHpOn/s320/his+mercies+are+new+every+morning.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">May you choose this day, a path of gratitude. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Allow the Holiness of a loving God to shoulder your hurt and pain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lay down all that you hold.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bring it all to Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let him do His work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I heard this song by Toby Mac. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"I know you're prayers ain't been answered yet. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I know your feeling like you've got nothing left. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Well, lift your head. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It ain't over yet. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Move.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Keep walking."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And that's what I'm doing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am looking up. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Feet planted on solid ground. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am going to keep walking. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Because it's not over yet.</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Toby Mac</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Move</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-36932502459584812662016-05-07T08:03:00.000-04:002016-05-07T08:03:38.864-04:00Dear Mom<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dear Mom,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So many times I have picked up the phone to call. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart hurts missing Elijah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgCzynqqbjqtkN0GJrAMTU9f68Lc2Cyyw5CbU9hmPjpY1US5BKjq0cyYKC0RbysdPMgNR8UyrM_2yDLfauRvcJ3_gQgjBcuUdwesRHmmdPGJolzORGFouSItaAzoAQlSJ70hEuG95rw8q/s1600/Elijah+and+mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgCzynqqbjqtkN0GJrAMTU9f68Lc2Cyyw5CbU9hmPjpY1US5BKjq0cyYKC0RbysdPMgNR8UyrM_2yDLfauRvcJ3_gQgjBcuUdwesRHmmdPGJolzORGFouSItaAzoAQlSJ70hEuG95rw8q/s320/Elijah+and+mom.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet you reign with him on high. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was April vacation. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I missed our time together. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was always so much warmer at your house. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Such a perfect time to be away. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We would sit on your screened in porch. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How you loved that addition to your home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'd drink coffee and argue. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodness we never could see eye to eye on very much;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">except our love for our Lord. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went to a family baby shower. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your presence missed so much. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You just had an air about you that made a party. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uA3Wm0vR6wu7Ta2RPLL2u9ijyT25PTm6_tzL2-qhOhfvEYw6kn0LV1uiD4v2QVjc625UtV_2xT_JqXN0rD31Puui5XOUpHP8LokGEdRe3QTGVZ2FHel3ScbiWygSrW0ziHd-nlj2yFQo/s1600/Todd+and+I+with+mom+and+dad+at+the+Hillside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uA3Wm0vR6wu7Ta2RPLL2u9ijyT25PTm6_tzL2-qhOhfvEYw6kn0LV1uiD4v2QVjc625UtV_2xT_JqXN0rD31Puui5XOUpHP8LokGEdRe3QTGVZ2FHel3ScbiWygSrW0ziHd-nlj2yFQo/s320/Todd+and+I+with+mom+and+dad+at+the+Hillside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took a walk with a friend. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She shared part of her to do list. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buying flowers for her mom. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember the last time I sent you flowers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know there's a picture in one of your albums. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your Birthday and Mother's Day only days apart. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I called to order you flowers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our hometown florist. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Folks you went to school with. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She asked me what to put on the card. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I couldn't speak. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started to cry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't know how long you would live. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cancer had been your companion for 9 years. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I couldn't pull myself together. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt so foolish. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I gained composure,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I said, " Happy Mother's Day, Love Gary, Tammy and the kids."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that was that. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last time I would send you Mother's Day flowers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2012.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, I need to head to your home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To take all the memories and store them in other places. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, there are so many. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How you loved life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even your cancer could not, would not, destroy your joy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo Albums showing the legacy of the life you lived. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Embracing moments. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Capturing events forever. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the hardest to sift through. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do we do with the life time of memories?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today dawned beautiful again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GZvVJpWimiBdfOyVyl76d6aw0cvF5GonfnYpPU2I494UUloXmP-rB_N768cHZ7Ked3G81SiPg43oI6vYHrekVuU3GoYXxi7WWvxhQdBGNkM-WbfMEHjP_cmoQ_fHSa7ommSsa7QEPGZn/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GZvVJpWimiBdfOyVyl76d6aw0cvF5GonfnYpPU2I494UUloXmP-rB_N768cHZ7Ked3G81SiPg43oI6vYHrekVuU3GoYXxi7WWvxhQdBGNkM-WbfMEHjP_cmoQ_fHSa7ommSsa7QEPGZn/s320/IMG_1940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After days of dreary weather, it has been wonderful to see the sunshine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The college girl will be coming home next week. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SO3Xgd-wcdxiBZ8W1af-RMuuUoSd9mDyMN3cSvDM1SyXWV_V9oLbBq4yidFMPvwxlGZqJvUW5D3CrcRFNmwNEs7howM5vzOnAMWkDRX9grwAc228r-cyQKL4tV2YQOk_f7x0vwKer5O0/s1600/Clarissa%2527s+Senior+picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SO3Xgd-wcdxiBZ8W1af-RMuuUoSd9mDyMN3cSvDM1SyXWV_V9oLbBq4yidFMPvwxlGZqJvUW5D3CrcRFNmwNEs7howM5vzOnAMWkDRX9grwAc228r-cyQKL4tV2YQOk_f7x0vwKer5O0/s320/Clarissa%2527s+Senior+picture.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Her freshman year finished. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's changed though. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Divided. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This place no longer holds her. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's changing and growing into the woman God has called her. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She won't be home for Mother's Day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't want that to affect me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have had the gift of being a mom. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A joy for which I am eternally grateful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A longing in my heart; given. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Many times.</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I miss you mom. </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVivlg0WIUIyoqoVM4d7g3h6Qei9MGdfwFBC3BIpOMaY7-pkUhSPYGpQ95yinFwNtobI9Da5IdAeogrSMts9DWF0XLkTUu837B1WeVIBQMCDSaXFYfcU7kMY8lcUdf_yDTEez7tMVCKb9t/s1600/mom+and+dad+Gary+and+I+on+the+cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVivlg0WIUIyoqoVM4d7g3h6Qei9MGdfwFBC3BIpOMaY7-pkUhSPYGpQ95yinFwNtobI9Da5IdAeogrSMts9DWF0XLkTUu837B1WeVIBQMCDSaXFYfcU7kMY8lcUdf_yDTEez7tMVCKb9t/s1600/mom+and+dad+Gary+and+I+on+the+cruise.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-1015893076409034032016-04-28T22:45:00.001-04:002016-04-28T22:45:27.178-04:00Living Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A busy day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing new; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">except the feeling. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Something. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not right. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Cast Party. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd12wlAMcb9IXmsA2poW3vwDIWnbD0uPgzs3MpgZzMcP90fBIUVwfvsYoI2rBhyFlOrwTe62dzDN2UjD8ac3rvPmjlkkyPi4FgmUvjwBUhIKWHJQdj0-C_YAjfkCo_RNG8fGAyPq42eMlK/s1600/Alladin%2527s+Last+wish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd12wlAMcb9IXmsA2poW3vwDIWnbD0uPgzs3MpgZzMcP90fBIUVwfvsYoI2rBhyFlOrwTe62dzDN2UjD8ac3rvPmjlkkyPi4FgmUvjwBUhIKWHJQdj0-C_YAjfkCo_RNG8fGAyPq42eMlK/s320/Alladin%2527s+Last+wish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Families. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dancers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Decorating. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Arabian Nights. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alladin. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1I0bE4-aNVsWf3icxp_bt9LzwdbGW5MV7WWsaAOrOfkCN4srgY3wfQ4CXux7k62coSsJP43kxcELsN0bV9hJmgy1c45Cf_kwyvATPpmmKKzzXI1KQzqRmg7hNPcSZ8EMaoT7GyrBrDmP/s1600/13000253_10207455761484576_8072652481907401722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1I0bE4-aNVsWf3icxp_bt9LzwdbGW5MV7WWsaAOrOfkCN4srgY3wfQ4CXux7k62coSsJP43kxcELsN0bV9hJmgy1c45Cf_kwyvATPpmmKKzzXI1KQzqRmg7hNPcSZ8EMaoT7GyrBrDmP/s320/13000253_10207455761484576_8072652481907401722_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGUBxgpYvju0VmXM0M1ySu06Ol7Azz1KJa5mTM3khcEtaeecVZusyFYycrpQ2rJZiXxxBGmkF1LkhDtYaIBdaF07DxgFr0FUIn4MU5aejx0CDPCuEmqjZHpRjvrn8Ru6XrUlu9pzXtjp1/s1600/12998614_10207455801645580_4406755382108461583_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGUBxgpYvju0VmXM0M1ySu06Ol7Azz1KJa5mTM3khcEtaeecVZusyFYycrpQ2rJZiXxxBGmkF1LkhDtYaIBdaF07DxgFr0FUIn4MU5aejx0CDPCuEmqjZHpRjvrn8Ru6XrUlu9pzXtjp1/s320/12998614_10207455801645580_4406755382108461583_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So much to do. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Purposefully stepping one foot in front of the other. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grief. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Talk truth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Verse after verse. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To my weary heart. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Jeremiah 31:3</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>It just seemed so hard today. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pictures I hadn't ever seen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Quiet moments driving. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remembering. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding it hard to believe he's really gone. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That red hair. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The silly, lopsided grin. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I reach for words of truth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Isaiah 41:13</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until I remembered.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <i><b>33 months. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stop in my tracks. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life is marching forward. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hadn't even remembered the date. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hadn't understood why the day was unsettled. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The farm house is quieting down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just the farm boy is stirring. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The day is coming to a close. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have much to be thankful for. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The evening spent with some of this area's finest young people and their families. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Young people that have drawn along side of us and never let us go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't think of a better way to have spent this day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preparing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Decorating. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Creating. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My farmer helping too. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now the day is done. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's time to rest. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing to step into truth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remembering I am held. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Night my Lijy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGvcCUTVGgTpBrrdRsUzCe9zuo_4OJrsXkR9K3JWnKXJySpwlme-tXFpOh2i05opbQu0nZEX-5aErItIL6GRGQZyUWDaJtLW1F16DKhRlfU0ndTrz2gnDL1f_-dL06Q6LefQ32HV9lFHP/s1600/Elijah+and+Crystal+smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGvcCUTVGgTpBrrdRsUzCe9zuo_4OJrsXkR9K3JWnKXJySpwlme-tXFpOh2i05opbQu0nZEX-5aErItIL6GRGQZyUWDaJtLW1F16DKhRlfU0ndTrz2gnDL1f_-dL06Q6LefQ32HV9lFHP/s320/Elijah+and+Crystal+smiling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still miss you with every fiber of my being. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved your grin. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That sparkle in your eye. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's how you looked at me the night you left. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So excited. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will spend the rest of my days learning how to live without you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stepping into the plan God has. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yielding to His ways. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trusting in the plan. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gaining strength that only He can provide. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep my feet on solid ground. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-60421111879104534422016-04-27T09:34:00.002-04:002016-04-27T09:34:59.660-04:00Davis Farm Guest House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're having fun at our Guest House and on the farm!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're meeting new people.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Making friends from all over the world. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're sprucing up. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Watching grass grow!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Literally. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're shaking off the Winter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though, it's not shaking us off!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sharing about this place we love so much. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Things aren't always easy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We share that too. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Long hours. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rewarding. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Full. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Held by a gracious God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stepping forward with purpose. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hope you'll stop by for a visit soon. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Find us on our blog page: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/p/davis-farm-guest-house.html">http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/p/davis-farm-guest-house.html</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Or our listing on <a href="http://www.farmstayus.com/" target="_blank">Farm Stay U.S.</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.farmstayus.com/farm/Vermont/Davis_Farm_">www.farmstayus.com/farm/Vermont/Davis_Farm_</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-2924423898468837112016-04-25T10:57:00.004-04:002016-04-25T13:20:31.928-04:00The Boys<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The farm boy; my only boy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>I used to say boys. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A moment; forever changed. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My brothers, always called "the boys."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mom's words echo;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> "have you talked to the boys?" </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grown men with families. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The boys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Naturally I began to call my sons; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>the boys. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I loved calling them that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z4yOykGLLllYFcLGamZ7mDxT-PiWe84jGiZj8uYaJdshMHSjCLT47Ivi-SEkFzkyJl9UP1tMEfJ6QqMH6s0k8Ga6a-9XIrAGTJl07SjpLtAel00GbYhTVhPyhowDLxkM8MbH_NpIyLuN/s1600/Elijah+and+Cedric+as+little+kids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z4yOykGLLllYFcLGamZ7mDxT-PiWe84jGiZj8uYaJdshMHSjCLT47Ivi-SEkFzkyJl9UP1tMEfJ6QqMH6s0k8Ga6a-9XIrAGTJl07SjpLtAel00GbYhTVhPyhowDLxkM8MbH_NpIyLuN/s320/Elijah+and+Cedric+as+little+kids.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I loved having 2 boys. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X98vDA3QQ8GLEUk8Df2O6Lwm52IZ7AQDD-yoLUpHDDUoZQxOlH_K-BXLZ7U2SezBUJPNUyEMhoBONY1-xCmpHtatJMb6LE8hT0rNhxi-uCeQ9tUmXH5Ukh0k3riMRD4_JDaxW0BlF0A-/s1600/Elijah+and+Cedric+on+Karen%2527s+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X98vDA3QQ8GLEUk8Df2O6Lwm52IZ7AQDD-yoLUpHDDUoZQxOlH_K-BXLZ7U2SezBUJPNUyEMhoBONY1-xCmpHtatJMb6LE8hT0rNhxi-uCeQ9tUmXH5Ukh0k3riMRD4_JDaxW0BlF0A-/s320/Elijah+and+Cedric+on+Karen%2527s+bike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They fought. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tousling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Angry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dominance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fists clenched. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">War.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Strength. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Awful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Until. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maturity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alliance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd7BFT453XzMiTtytGI96eA6m7HyUoQIkj1fdItmMN9yeoZWcLzYGGhXXD0ERuiMYAqF-R0J_UdXze8tl1tyLwI6AWVpNpM7PXOyKACQ_oPJqjJk0meh9pgvR3L15rYf394uuhpM-kDxK/s1600/Elijah+and+Cedric+at+Christmas+with+their+new+jammies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd7BFT453XzMiTtytGI96eA6m7HyUoQIkj1fdItmMN9yeoZWcLzYGGhXXD0ERuiMYAqF-R0J_UdXze8tl1tyLwI6AWVpNpM7PXOyKACQ_oPJqjJk0meh9pgvR3L15rYf394uuhpM-kDxK/s320/Elijah+and+Cedric+at+Christmas+with+their+new+jammies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friendship.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Early on it was as cohorts against public enemy number one;</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Mom. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An alliance while playing video games. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Competition. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This beautiful interaction was just beginning. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>When it ended. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now, there is one. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He wrestles with this new role. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdISGw-7839vco8o6c7FZ92ZIvlUFAjaGbyFPfFj17rR5jRWF8WF9Jhxxk1iitqEUp367hfHNABN-GdtSYmvMEHjV1rx5wcXrR-Whbl738hgEXPxw484n1hhWJ3YIvdShxkbBSjs-D6I5/s1600/Cedric+and+Lilah+at+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdISGw-7839vco8o6c7FZ92ZIvlUFAjaGbyFPfFj17rR5jRWF8WF9Jhxxk1iitqEUp367hfHNABN-GdtSYmvMEHjV1rx5wcXrR-Whbl738hgEXPxw484n1hhWJ3YIvdShxkbBSjs-D6I5/s320/Cedric+and+Lilah+at+the+beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oldest boy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Only boy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He walks the stairs each night past the closed door. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Past the silence. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each time molding and shaping who he is becoming. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You see this farm boy; made a choice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He entered the waters of baptism. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GAv2woYTApRVbzE0U84p0Xu43rKVQOaWJZRKOIWlov83iYQuyVl80ijvWrwuKSMtSLcwQL0thTr9A5B86CVCN9YqtoqwgehcGNJbqoZB81ZNGV-fSteOfM1fHkn4Lgbzue-tw1rvp978/s1600/Cedric+and+Peter+at+the+baptism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GAv2woYTApRVbzE0U84p0Xu43rKVQOaWJZRKOIWlov83iYQuyVl80ijvWrwuKSMtSLcwQL0thTr9A5B86CVCN9YqtoqwgehcGNJbqoZB81ZNGV-fSteOfM1fHkn4Lgbzue-tw1rvp978/s320/Cedric+and+Peter+at+the+baptism.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He aligned himself with the living God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>And the enemy of our souls reared.</b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The farm boy went head to head with challenge after challenge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>His brothers death left him vulnerable. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGPJZ2TY4ul5hJcAieb8T5ohtCrP9POCAe0CANIe_4MEV32raQpt-2JyMEKgIVtgVz2ipI2fZOTGF8Epvb86gzkqxC_xB5LlNAnV7wUmPaeGRgGiOeR2AGT82NGX-yX9rrSs0ZGndZFQM/s1600/Elijah%2527s+casket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGPJZ2TY4ul5hJcAieb8T5ohtCrP9POCAe0CANIe_4MEV32raQpt-2JyMEKgIVtgVz2ipI2fZOTGF8Epvb86gzkqxC_xB5LlNAnV7wUmPaeGRgGiOeR2AGT82NGX-yX9rrSs0ZGndZFQM/s320/Elijah%2527s+casket.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He rebelled and fought. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Until he made a choice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>To surrender to that baptism. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To stand strong in the face of opposition. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This mama and a slew of others bowed low. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Digging deep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We worked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On our knees;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Interceding for this amazing young man. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And he shed that skin of discontentment. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He threw off the chains that brought him down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Step by step he is yielding; submitting to the Father's will. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is still a painful battle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He misses his brother. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He, nor any of us, understand. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And the missing is deep. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That farm boy is taking his energy and creativity</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and turning it into something beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiKrxVbPYl-DTwElBBGwSPgBXbSOCgjwoCqmdygjnMvtVcqsIrUcFj4mqUsIB7ud3WLATgjtSzcHI6chyL_rb5IIchKPSTP-xpha6Ee5795fZMwecg__hqIkNirYdDPJfYdPGvio4boLw/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiKrxVbPYl-DTwElBBGwSPgBXbSOCgjwoCqmdygjnMvtVcqsIrUcFj4mqUsIB7ud3WLATgjtSzcHI6chyL_rb5IIchKPSTP-xpha6Ee5795fZMwecg__hqIkNirYdDPJfYdPGvio4boLw/s320/IMG_2005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's taking something worn down and discouraged and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> breathing into it new life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Isaiah 43:19</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.</i></span></span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have a Savior who longs to do the very same for each and everyone of us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He sees the plan that is obscured from our view. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is working. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is doing a new thing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're taking off the scales to see. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're reaching for hope, when all seems lost. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I continue to not like this road. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet, along the way I don't want to miss the beauty that awaits. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My purpose is beyond what I can see. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My worn down, discouraged self is stepping out and seeking the new thing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to be refreshed and given new eyes to see. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not in my own strength but always in his. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Won't you take this journey with me? </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Psalm 91:4</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.</i></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-16616968413013338962016-04-18T08:06:00.000-04:002016-04-18T10:09:11.797-04:00Even in the Rush. . . We Can Slow it Down<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The sun shone this weekend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the whole weekend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qy_zvTF-JB_1B9dCEg1Rcr1Bt8cAUor4uUvh271GMc6uWZnetle7ZCAB_mC8z84_9ygiMXYF8xXfBgMMis8xKmtsgAXX_CZdpvCGLjrzIadzNNCV0Kp4Iu7mNfV4rtsan6WeH5wEPDEv/s1600/barn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qy_zvTF-JB_1B9dCEg1Rcr1Bt8cAUor4uUvh271GMc6uWZnetle7ZCAB_mC8z84_9ygiMXYF8xXfBgMMis8xKmtsgAXX_CZdpvCGLjrzIadzNNCV0Kp4Iu7mNfV4rtsan6WeH5wEPDEv/s320/barn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were no extra activities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time seemed to slow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No rushing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dinner with friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The farm boy playing music. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time with my farmer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was hand holding. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time to talk. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Slow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-nPWndE2J1yhafha_mXBP0rMq0LZN0AGKsKrLEL8U-ZXM3ZIUXJkHorPE_wITLg6QTL-KqzD0mLJDRU_-mF_MSuVl7lco7JK2IJHOZrdzaXxd5VZfDHSBIJKO_Nkz2cbvcLcpP5HhZU-/s1600/mountain+4-11-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-nPWndE2J1yhafha_mXBP0rMq0LZN0AGKsKrLEL8U-ZXM3ZIUXJkHorPE_wITLg6QTL-KqzD0mLJDRU_-mF_MSuVl7lco7JK2IJHOZrdzaXxd5VZfDHSBIJKO_Nkz2cbvcLcpP5HhZU-/s320/mountain+4-11-15.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last minute guests at the guest house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sheets on the line. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Book work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time for listening and dreaming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A fire at my partner in crime's home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Coffee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Slow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTmnFDIOzpwt48fPPRkf1JqkFIt4_aW02jf4ufq6IE8exXffQcrKbzl_OB_PLnlTXUZivI8SK3KPGFaQPsZTC5fGWEKIdnqN-S1Oo-6Sgy3T7cvuY6pi5ZL9waDZHNwwfGfw0ymbDbLPo/s1600/fire+at+Lori%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTmnFDIOzpwt48fPPRkf1JqkFIt4_aW02jf4ufq6IE8exXffQcrKbzl_OB_PLnlTXUZivI8SK3KPGFaQPsZTC5fGWEKIdnqN-S1Oo-6Sgy3T7cvuY6pi5ZL9waDZHNwwfGfw0ymbDbLPo/s320/fire+at+Lori%2527s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Soaking in the sun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Compost delivery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A ride in the truck to visit neighbors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No rush. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Connecting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each step an act of Worship. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Intentional. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Slow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wrote the words,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I just need to hang on until May," </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Our transition date to Organic Farming. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wrote it as if it was the</span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> day that will change everything. </i><br />
<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As if a moment in time will take all suffering away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>A moment can change everything. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A moment when your son looks into your eyes and says, "Good bye, love you." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He bounds out the door with excitement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssgWmjKreQQTuqT-bVQRE5IO5L7CYpAX5AfhO_LwN-icnLIuw9JTe_bRZy3h3fiJW2IY04YhdfOMQGSvVp-HIbNDPM6-UoCUOuQhseNr0GOK4CYImoEBkdDs4FOGH_nd5pdEUwjl3lpMI/s1600/Elijah+and+Clarissa+first+day+of+senior+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssgWmjKreQQTuqT-bVQRE5IO5L7CYpAX5AfhO_LwN-icnLIuw9JTe_bRZy3h3fiJW2IY04YhdfOMQGSvVp-HIbNDPM6-UoCUOuQhseNr0GOK4CYImoEBkdDs4FOGH_nd5pdEUwjl3lpMI/s320/Elijah+and+Clarissa+first+day+of+senior+year.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/07/we-had-visitors-other-night.html" target="_blank">And never returns.</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Moments can define us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Change us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Hanging on until May. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Will everything really change? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have I put my hope in a transition date? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The thought causes me to wonder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The slowness of the weekend has caused me to wonder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I am so <a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2015/10/an-act-of-obedience.html" target="_blank">weary and tired from the struggle.</a> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ways to make ends meet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cash flow projections until my head hurts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So afraid of making the slightest mistake. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Driving kids to activities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Micro managing a schedule. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each moment filled. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tense. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Irritable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's not until I say the words,<br />"<i>I just need to hang on until May,</i>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That I realize what I've done. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Somewhere faith has walked out the door. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My trust in <b>God in the details</b> has all but walked away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've been holding on so tightly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I didn't even know it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fists clenched. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jaw tight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pain in my joints when I wake. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tension. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rushing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here and there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>So distracted.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A tool used by the enemy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>I'm missing the lessons in the struggle. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I do not have eyes to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I shifted the gaze. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not by much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I moved from the here and now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To what lies beyond. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Skipping through the day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hoping it to end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To step into another. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just to have it done. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While along the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lessons unfold. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Moments of grace missed. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because I didn't slow it down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A fast paced life can't be helped. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dashing and living may be the season. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>It is the intent with which we live in that season that is crucial. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is much to learn in this transition season. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much I have missed while racing to have it over; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to be done with the struggle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a little over a month to go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hardest stretch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The greatest distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am shaking off the tension today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unclenching my fists. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God knows about this transition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's aware of every step. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is in the struggle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will not let us fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The sun is shining again today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm heading to make crepes for a house full. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's vacation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A night of sleep overs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blessings abound. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lots of giggles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am continuing to slow it down and have eyes to see. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God shows his love for us; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">not when we're perfect and all refined. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But when we're at our worst. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He came to change us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To make us more like him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Romans 5:8</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The struggle is real. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life is challenging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But there are lessons to learn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is doing the work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is by his Grace that we will complete this Transition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want Him to receive all the glory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This farm is His. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All that we have is His. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even our children are His. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is doing something beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even in the pain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD4_e_56X6G_6AN93K7YY5s2Lz9zmSQh5I7JLlZ43RugZoPbYIaSQn49NPC4GlqB31WfzMdHCaEFAg89d-_XHwiIfU3etaZwYesn6OQ0kQI-SRxtL5-4AVOBGjeM485FZaVpFNi1zv08l/s1600/74955_1088626324531719_2866318468429100473_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD4_e_56X6G_6AN93K7YY5s2Lz9zmSQh5I7JLlZ43RugZoPbYIaSQn49NPC4GlqB31WfzMdHCaEFAg89d-_XHwiIfU3etaZwYesn6OQ0kQI-SRxtL5-4AVOBGjeM485FZaVpFNi1zv08l/s320/74955_1088626324531719_2866318468429100473_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Lord.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I continue to hand over all my life to you. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This farm is yours. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Do as you will. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Guide us. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We give you all the Praise and Glory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-15606779147277039452016-04-08T06:19:00.000-04:002016-04-08T06:19:28.415-04:00More Waiting<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She too waits. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This sister in law of mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sister of my farmer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Who walks the road of grief. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been six months since she stood at the grave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She waits now for biopsy results. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Abnormal normal cells; g</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">rowth on her thyroid. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are guaranteed nothing in this world. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Only God's love. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It's the constant. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It's truth. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is cancer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In her thyroid. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And it feels for a moment that the earth has shifted. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Tilted. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She tells me a funny joke before she tells me the results of the tests. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much like her mother. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But so like her dad. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And now begins another chapter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reaching. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Holding tightly. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are no assurances this side of heaven. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are not promised an easy walk. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The pain and uncertainty keep coming. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the third sibling with cancer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The college girl recoils at the news. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She asks, "Mom, are we at risk?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mortality rearing it's head as the college girl jumps another hurdle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to protect her and say no. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She is fine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She will live a long life and I will see her walk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> down the aisle in a beautiful wedding dress. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>But you know what?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't know that. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At all.</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I only know that this life is the only one I have. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That God has a purpose and meaning in everything. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That there is never, ever a time when He is not in control. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And so I laugh a belly laugh with my sister in law. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I pledge to drive her to her appointments. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She chides me that all I want is the coffee. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And she's partly right. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because who really wants to go to the hospital?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Who really wants to suffer? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remind the college girl of truth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of a Savior who loves her; unconditionally. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is not our home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were created for more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another journey is beginning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But one that has passed through the fingers of a most Holy God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It is in His name we have strength. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>His name is a strong tower. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His name is wonderful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>There is hope, above all else in that precious name. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No matter what you're facing today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I pray that you have hope. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A beautiful hope rooted in deep faith. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A place where words cease. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A place so holy one can hear the brush of angel's wings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We will continue to give glory to God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We will continue to walk strong in the Power of the name of Jesus. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My sister in law is one of the strongest people I know.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She has weathered so many storms. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She feels more than any one I know. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She chose life at a young age and has never wavered. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We get ready to hang up. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I tell her I will talk to her tomorrow. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tomorrow will come. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A new day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A new dawning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIW8iRSMNcmeFMgNBo30uRUcg_iOVa4x6Sn-iExuG_RSuVbKeN7k6x9AMdfkCD0IaAvQskTolRp1b77o4AacpAoLQ3tyLURHI0TY7m4j1kGnuhN0DPLGwjcnwKyFSzd3LYQRRpCIDBM0Bs/s1600/Sunrise+9-17-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIW8iRSMNcmeFMgNBo30uRUcg_iOVa4x6Sn-iExuG_RSuVbKeN7k6x9AMdfkCD0IaAvQskTolRp1b77o4AacpAoLQ3tyLURHI0TY7m4j1kGnuhN0DPLGwjcnwKyFSzd3LYQRRpCIDBM0Bs/s320/Sunrise+9-17-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All wrapped and held tightly by the One who calls us beloved. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Joshua 1:9</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-51403885397727526792016-03-28T07:14:00.004-04:002016-03-28T07:14:37.147-04:00Sunshine Spilled Over<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunshine spilled over on Resurrection Sunday. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Warmth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The empty tomb. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Cross set before us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A symbol. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What was meant for evil. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God meant for good. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes you can't help but embrace the bad to understand the good. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 years and 8 months. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEkvWRDVsq-7OkNHNwVLt-FQfgffqY0GtPHfQfEgbSFVUKyHboGm3za67c-c7eKlwlJ5L0_a63dx7DzuY_XwbCBJgenrg-fPOKAo6FeYOfcrPw9aSSFG_a8kLIf4-0Zg1qEZl6Hh5S1a8/s1600/Grave+Easter+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEkvWRDVsq-7OkNHNwVLt-FQfgffqY0GtPHfQfEgbSFVUKyHboGm3za67c-c7eKlwlJ5L0_a63dx7DzuY_XwbCBJgenrg-fPOKAo6FeYOfcrPw9aSSFG_a8kLIf4-0Zg1qEZl6Hh5S1a8/s400/Grave+Easter+2016.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A journey to walk with purpose.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seeking to discover, under the shadow of His wing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever longing for all to be made right. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tomb is empty. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Savior Risen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hope of all Nations for a broken people. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sun beats down on us at my sister in laws. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her family walking the grief road. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first Easter without my nephew. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The children without their father. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reaching out in hope. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stepping into the unknown. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We sit together. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grateful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For each other. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laughing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remembering. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life springing forth in the gardens that were my mother in laws. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Precious bulbs pressing through the depth of the dark. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reaching for light. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reminders of the beauty in the struggle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we are anchored to the Rock. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Psalm 18:2</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a great weekend of celebration on the farm. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHltWJRyKCh2h2oc-BnDTSRedKeUXrOBL4liND-JBC4Wp8rsNHKPP-MG5GTX2I0ueXeSEmFRetHd7R9hZh81Cw1QkMI8Rk-rcP6ZrjazRCFjvFmUt-8mpeV8ax6accUg6C1AgpI5KifHIV/s1600/barn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHltWJRyKCh2h2oc-BnDTSRedKeUXrOBL4liND-JBC4Wp8rsNHKPP-MG5GTX2I0ueXeSEmFRetHd7R9hZh81Cw1QkMI8Rk-rcP6ZrjazRCFjvFmUt-8mpeV8ax6accUg6C1AgpI5KifHIV/s320/barn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My <a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2016/03/celebrating-my-farmer.html" target="_blank">farmers 60th. </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A gathering of family and friends. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A shower of cards. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easter Sunday. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrated around the rich gathering of generations.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The birds have begun their joyous chorus this morning. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Signs of Spring; seen if you look. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have eyes to see? </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am asking God to keep my eyes wide open to </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">not miss the beauty He has in store. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Resting in the hope given to us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I miss my son with all my being. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The ache so deep.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet I believe God is working a purpose greater than I understand. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pray that you have eyes to see the glory that God is unfolding. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pray that you walk with hope; even when the way is rough. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Walking today in deep hope, while clinging to the Rock. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>What about you? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-35904320725154678822016-03-27T06:59:00.000-04:002016-03-27T06:59:42.656-04:00The Grave Could NOT Hold Him<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reposting, because I am remembering. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Easter has always been about the Cross. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Easter has always been what we need. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even when we don't understand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The antidote to what ails us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Always. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWVCGPGKiWtEgWg0Y4mu2er9ux17r6STBfRFkVqqZDdcrVFNSnVu6g7yPfKXIX57nF3KSWtS6S9SwnGlfRXKLBE_1Zi6gkpqt5KQpSWbHuKL1-G2TbGJWSXBKfARNrqxcfVgy4nrk1JWF/s1600/kids+at+Easter+2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWVCGPGKiWtEgWg0Y4mu2er9ux17r6STBfRFkVqqZDdcrVFNSnVu6g7yPfKXIX57nF3KSWtS6S9SwnGlfRXKLBE_1Zi6gkpqt5KQpSWbHuKL1-G2TbGJWSXBKfARNrqxcfVgy4nrk1JWF/s320/kids+at+Easter+2005.JPG" width="239" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3Z4tCdppa4xpV6aEjE2saYXwfzpUgTNBgI13dke5nP9HwI3xvrG6ETEZ0Z8tbo9Cvrc025rv1g4rGGf5tw8DKuov_bXdUFeCTlkdc-mXphTstfvzJFx8eXen6wUCuPBQaijlYIDKxERn/s1600/Easterfamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3Z4tCdppa4xpV6aEjE2saYXwfzpUgTNBgI13dke5nP9HwI3xvrG6ETEZ0Z8tbo9Cvrc025rv1g4rGGf5tw8DKuov_bXdUFeCTlkdc-mXphTstfvzJFx8eXen6wUCuPBQaijlYIDKxERn/s320/Easterfamily.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTJ-6J-SQKpzT9zuy2KnxSaQKMlYrJF5njt2MvSH3CLR7Z0RbpsyF-4xI9ctRFJ7-mBoVRcPrV7eZOU7z1OmQrC7KgUdlI-D9FywwbVQTlJvvoERnNRguNY7V3g1f4LO3IxRLlkaHKeBk/s1600/Easter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTJ-6J-SQKpzT9zuy2KnxSaQKMlYrJF5njt2MvSH3CLR7Z0RbpsyF-4xI9ctRFJ7-mBoVRcPrV7eZOU7z1OmQrC7KgUdlI-D9FywwbVQTlJvvoERnNRguNY7V3g1f4LO3IxRLlkaHKeBk/s320/Easter.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjeX276V6laKsNjVLF-CIgSzcLrwRqlGtbOdbGpfuJD-bcimoG_mtiwFb8akW55n_iXFns0lBapEVbvCNTNommmN3rOs7W-xq9gNDB2-0YOvN3v8MlIEikQsIKsgttDGFuhZRSjzCc6Kc/s1600/collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjeX276V6laKsNjVLF-CIgSzcLrwRqlGtbOdbGpfuJD-bcimoG_mtiwFb8akW55n_iXFns0lBapEVbvCNTNommmN3rOs7W-xq9gNDB2-0YOvN3v8MlIEikQsIKsgttDGFuhZRSjzCc6Kc/s320/collage.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He is risen!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just like he said. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His word; Truth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is risen. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is coming back again. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of creation will bow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While we wait. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We seek to live as He did. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We bend knees to the ground in humble submission, as we ponder<a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2015/04/maundy-thursday.html" target="_blank"> the walk to the cross. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And as the day dawns we live in hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Matthew 28:6</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We live in the grace of a RISEN LORD. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Death could not hold him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Acts 2:24</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Easter 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/12/fighting-discouragement-with-well-worn.html" target="_blank">The boy</a> leaves me undone. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most days are difficult. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each word is poison and I can't begin to help him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's lost a brother.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Dealt with his beloved father being so sick and he's 14. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would come unglued. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He's still fragile in the faith. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And he's lashing out. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But sometimes there are glimpses of what is to come. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The veil pulled back and the blue eyes shine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwKOUII5_X4GGPKwU80x2CQsJ7sYFzu3xlwyMPXdAskH1gFoSCD6Lq1oriG9CH9HAityFv2EjpGsQv00jSXkUeIS-XdxX6n7KT9slRXOeQGIS1uS5Hfnd8odczFRH3xKGbCDtRbfmuzHo/s1600/Gary+and+Cedric+at+the+doctors+office.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwKOUII5_X4GGPKwU80x2CQsJ7sYFzu3xlwyMPXdAskH1gFoSCD6Lq1oriG9CH9HAityFv2EjpGsQv00jSXkUeIS-XdxX6n7KT9slRXOeQGIS1uS5Hfnd8odczFRH3xKGbCDtRbfmuzHo/s1600/Gary+and+Cedric+at+the+doctors+office.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is humor and there is a sensitivity, so like his fathers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This growing and stretching is hard on me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, when there is a calm.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I embrace it. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When he leaves me undone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I count <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank">1,000 gifts. </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v9gAO1c2vN5kHHIHyzDLgUG_7JkQws2VOewDXOMA6XLJ-4m5cV8eUnN5_tPE3oq2jFpH3HR_Ru0-OiD70HNg0eelN3ZbuMqR0RxIpLJ213resJWvipxe053aJV3_T5YWT6Ej7cJhyphenhyphen4dR/s1600/Lilies+at+the+grave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v9gAO1c2vN5kHHIHyzDLgUG_7JkQws2VOewDXOMA6XLJ-4m5cV8eUnN5_tPE3oq2jFpH3HR_Ru0-OiD70HNg0eelN3ZbuMqR0RxIpLJ213resJWvipxe053aJV3_T5YWT6Ej7cJhyphenhyphen4dR/s1600/Lilies+at+the+grave.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I leave Lilies at Elijah's grave.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No headstone marks his space. . . yet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Lilies a marker.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Something to do. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some way to serve.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I place them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Feeling the deep ache. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then I hear it. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That blonde haired, blue eyed boy hollers out the window. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He shouts it; loud;</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Mom! What are you doing? </b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Elijah hated those things. </b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>They stink. </b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And right in the middle of the graveyard. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the deep crevice of missing and longing; I laugh. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I cry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I am sure I made other noises that are not becoming. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But the <a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/01/finding-joy-and-grace-for-this-very.html" target="_blank">grace</a> that fills the heart when the laughter comes is warm. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That boy has left me undone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh to be a people that can laugh and find joy </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">even when the hurt is crushing. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 30:5</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.</i></span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I left the stinky Lilies at the grave. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One for my mom, one for my son.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I brought the other home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One for my in-laws. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will plant that stinky lily somewhere here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I haven't been able to grow anything; but this, I will try. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maybe I will see it grow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If we can't bend and yield to the Savior's leading, </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we will be left behind. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We miss the grace he longs to pour out on his people. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even in a graveyard, there is hope. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am reminded of the "<a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-question-i-dont-want-to-answer.html" target="_blank">Dance In The Graveyard" song</a> Ana sang at her concert in the fall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The drumming brings me to my knees missing my redheaded drummer. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He would have loved this song. </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOMqWQFTFVWAbzChGMy3Bg-5E36o24i53QkuqCVLrYQocH3IJCsWIEwXGBloE1zQIG_BaOm_9g2tKaZOwlWRLgmNxXQOr_zIBjfuEJ6yStAuFAqRsXgfvlb2APH2iK7ZRDzkEZlOj_Md7/s1600/Elijah+Drumming+collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOMqWQFTFVWAbzChGMy3Bg-5E36o24i53QkuqCVLrYQocH3IJCsWIEwXGBloE1zQIG_BaOm_9g2tKaZOwlWRLgmNxXQOr_zIBjfuEJ6yStAuFAqRsXgfvlb2APH2iK7ZRDzkEZlOj_Md7/s1600/Elijah+Drumming+collage.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me, it showed the joy of the sweet reunion we all long for. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Someday we will be reunited with our loved ones. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you have surrendered and bowed low to the giver of life, this gift is yours. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We will laugh, a<a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/10/he-is-there-and-i-am-not.html" target="_blank">nd we will dance. </a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Because, He Has Risen. </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 30:11</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>You turned my wailing into dancing; </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-83145713543097601722016-03-26T06:14:00.000-04:002016-03-26T06:14:37.735-04:00Celebrating my Farmer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He hangs yellow ribbons. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTNwqVOVAFZCGk2jow62fw6XL36mCQ9LnluCa1MXOVwhS0BOLQBCgUXBY1BuPBfHY1OiDKTVLsbeQxc7_7e0ooUrURRv68rFM85rb9Y4Op9sQASR7I_dVq4_SCqjOl02R5NoMYPnRN6_J/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTNwqVOVAFZCGk2jow62fw6XL36mCQ9LnluCa1MXOVwhS0BOLQBCgUXBY1BuPBfHY1OiDKTVLsbeQxc7_7e0ooUrURRv68rFM85rb9Y4Op9sQASR7I_dVq4_SCqjOl02R5NoMYPnRN6_J/s320/IMG_1853.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This farmer of mine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He texts the college girl on her way home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She's on a bus headed our way. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"He'll tie a yellow ribbon round the Old Oak Tree."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She needs to look up the lyrics. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>You tube will show her what her parents have neglected. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We pull into the driveway. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">are yellow ribbons</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7XS6yhe5nw7vEWmjABh9c9DsWerve-av5aPYujQn-STgtjkT8Ta6aaTq0cyG2-Ew5BR22JKntz1cQp4Szlyk4wlX7dsIDWXjddpMB13KNY6Ds1LE0ff_Vo4lY2LopBbwz5hoYCoP_64a/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7XS6yhe5nw7vEWmjABh9c9DsWerve-av5aPYujQn-STgtjkT8Ta6aaTq0cyG2-Ew5BR22JKntz1cQp4Szlyk4wlX7dsIDWXjddpMB13KNY6Ds1LE0ff_Vo4lY2LopBbwz5hoYCoP_64a/s400/IMG_1854.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJZWGE10faYG753eK9stq3JOC8n4qCJvziQ3u4cFOClLKtCri4NJ5uXpe-VuI1L4V9stquCICmklMIAAZssgW5w0w-BjPEfn88dqMcspmcI20SywqX7PG6zeIBXA_RFUJGwF5O6lKs56c/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJZWGE10faYG753eK9stq3JOC8n4qCJvziQ3u4cFOClLKtCri4NJ5uXpe-VuI1L4V9stquCICmklMIAAZssgW5w0w-BjPEfn88dqMcspmcI20SywqX7PG6zeIBXA_RFUJGwF5O6lKs56c/s400/IMG_1855.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wonder at it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Had I missed these before I left. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She gradually unfolds the story. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I marvel at the gesture. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yellow ribbons and a song to welcome his daughter home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>His quiet ways.</b></i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His gentle and thoughtful manner. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I marvel at this man. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A man I have been married to for 22 years;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">still surprises me in so many ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>He's turning 60 today.</b> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFH3iXYmozHaBTbBPjEOj5PtLMFXLmqvnP84kmUgWNv6pI2W8tB832dh_AQ0jv6QxsKr33c2n4HW5pC3xPedDyD6o3j5bEdvoVCEieFo_sQ4zsJB1gKx5I7W5RaN-dVffMwzX1IfCfqAF/s1600/10351175_1090488424345509_4868151183926558814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFH3iXYmozHaBTbBPjEOj5PtLMFXLmqvnP84kmUgWNv6pI2W8tB832dh_AQ0jv6QxsKr33c2n4HW5pC3xPedDyD6o3j5bEdvoVCEieFo_sQ4zsJB1gKx5I7W5RaN-dVffMwzX1IfCfqAF/s320/10351175_1090488424345509_4868151183926558814_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His life has held so much. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joy and heartache interwoven through the years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4NJMt7GM0iw5GMCQbm-uFhyphenhyphenzQm30E7UxQITEDrjgmQWQpvQjidG3ta5AaiphOgI7RyR8wxRbS1atTQqG3WBIeZpn8Q58G2MW8_55_fvNda66UXerJB8b_tE0xZ51p7wyUxaW9bgnsyek/s1600/Gary+and+the+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4NJMt7GM0iw5GMCQbm-uFhyphenhyphenzQm30E7UxQITEDrjgmQWQpvQjidG3ta5AaiphOgI7RyR8wxRbS1atTQqG3WBIeZpn8Q58G2MW8_55_fvNda66UXerJB8b_tE0xZ51p7wyUxaW9bgnsyek/s320/Gary+and+the+boys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Somehow he has remained solid as a rock through these winding threads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Faithful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Steady. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Full of hope. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTsxzU-HxvJ7LZyQ1vGCLJXk-0qjfRELGQC5wTNxSlcVGZUJHZS0MGOEs0Sj2WvVpkM5UK3vlKNub4Wdpu2UWjRK2OXJAsnlH4xj4d_vxmysE_BWLN9vBrnHP2XdGiv5R8sFejwbsntgc/s1600/4-26-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTsxzU-HxvJ7LZyQ1vGCLJXk-0qjfRELGQC5wTNxSlcVGZUJHZS0MGOEs0Sj2WvVpkM5UK3vlKNub4Wdpu2UWjRK2OXJAsnlH4xj4d_vxmysE_BWLN9vBrnHP2XdGiv5R8sFejwbsntgc/s320/4-26-13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even when the <a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-joy-thief.html" target="_blank">joy thief</a> crashed through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was hope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His faith unrelenting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rising before the sun to milk;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> keeping his phone set to reading through the<a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/01/those-ancient-words-arent-really-so.html" target="_blank"> Ancient Word</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The milking parlor his sanctuary. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIOD2Qa8H4fS2Pa0s5tU4yXznG85vk5IA0DLXDcfr0oEMt8rwQf4B-jEMRGs1P1E9n6s9v-58NkIJfrVZK8mCTWZ6jCKi6xMIVAvueTdSX0L39YyQBWpCHxGuQRiZ9aU1246xPTpEN9wH/s1600/Gary+in+the+milking+parlor+8-4-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIOD2Qa8H4fS2Pa0s5tU4yXznG85vk5IA0DLXDcfr0oEMt8rwQf4B-jEMRGs1P1E9n6s9v-58NkIJfrVZK8mCTWZ6jCKi6xMIVAvueTdSX0L39YyQBWpCHxGuQRiZ9aU1246xPTpEN9wH/s320/Gary+in+the+milking+parlor+8-4-13.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Prayer lists on the wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ever before him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A reminder; slow and steady. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life is not a race. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I bristle at his pace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My harsh, abrupt ways; clashing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The world always beckoning me.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hurry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fit more in. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're going to be late. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While he waits in the background. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quiet and steady. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The rhythm of the chores a cadence for life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lessons to be learned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The way of the farmer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Strong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Resting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Solid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unhurried. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nursing and coaxing life into being. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLprlKVyHR-tX1I5LhN6dS2Um8gMSd74esCvoq7Knr1xVsxkGoaWYWruTiZXHgrpd5UE48xoh2inL8svosDFTVdyqTojEfMY6f9uXeadR8mjGGwRLZdrT0uLz_iKTEjNAXB1rRBR7Dwn6e/s1600/new+calf+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLprlKVyHR-tX1I5LhN6dS2Um8gMSd74esCvoq7Knr1xVsxkGoaWYWruTiZXHgrpd5UE48xoh2inL8svosDFTVdyqTojEfMY6f9uXeadR8mjGGwRLZdrT0uLz_iKTEjNAXB1rRBR7Dwn6e/s320/new+calf+2013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rising and falling with the milk prices. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Taking each pitfall in stride. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHZV_KXNr80QdICqMlIvj-cC_eL62xgZS-1wa2zNqfrfRWHqwYTp4p7cW0cSCOCHm7L2UqXwaFsWyfq0B-ZoCPJu26HRpt-DuUS_6RcsNewdfcpDpsdST_dijqnWobVdp11fzhFRvblmt/s1600/Cootie+Boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHZV_KXNr80QdICqMlIvj-cC_eL62xgZS-1wa2zNqfrfRWHqwYTp4p7cW0cSCOCHm7L2UqXwaFsWyfq0B-ZoCPJu26HRpt-DuUS_6RcsNewdfcpDpsdST_dijqnWobVdp11fzhFRvblmt/s320/Cootie+Boy.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Present in each moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Never wavering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He models the Father with each step he takes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A pace lost to most these days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>He stops to tie ribbons for his daughter. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He indulges a farm niece and helpers with rogue calves. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY6Wb3U_17OmTNPsMoFteNb9xOAVucFuZ911W57Q3k6uG7K9WiKEsgHK7AZnndtHZ05j40s-uH8BKnVB3b-iuzadvXoyTTkmbMnE4i2Exslqe4lDb_u9jUU5GgLnWkFTUtO2vn43Nc3RG/s1600/Riley+the+calf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY6Wb3U_17OmTNPsMoFteNb9xOAVucFuZ911W57Q3k6uG7K9WiKEsgHK7AZnndtHZ05j40s-uH8BKnVB3b-iuzadvXoyTTkmbMnE4i2Exslqe4lDb_u9jUU5GgLnWkFTUtO2vn43Nc3RG/s400/Riley+the+calf.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His words are few. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His actions resounding. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Echoing for generations to come. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A legacy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A faith. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My farmer. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScT0m0roQvy8kcqGulxR-NwNgwrqn0PtOWvaDoESjc0dNvdjJDZrFTEi7AH3XrDrWkD1939nBOLLoPhLoeLMladMt7hSUaAC3kVU1CPtuyJQqaTauk0yNDC2GVpjrR5wnn4PsCzia6nBQ/s1600/12506540_1232383976777267_1395177734_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScT0m0roQvy8kcqGulxR-NwNgwrqn0PtOWvaDoESjc0dNvdjJDZrFTEi7AH3XrDrWkD1939nBOLLoPhLoeLMladMt7hSUaAC3kVU1CPtuyJQqaTauk0yNDC2GVpjrR5wnn4PsCzia6nBQ/s400/12506540_1232383976777267_1395177734_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Birthday!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-88163489797943348372016-03-25T08:33:00.000-04:002016-03-25T08:33:14.598-04:00Where Will This Journey Lead?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">Hold me close</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; line-height: 17.4026px;" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">Let Your love surround me</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; line-height: 17.4026px;" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">Bring me near</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; line-height: 17.4026px;" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">Draw me to Your side</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; line-height: 17.4026px;" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">And as I wait</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; line-height: 17.4026px;" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">I'll rise up like the eagle</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; line-height: 17.4026px;" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">And I will soar with You</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; line-height: 17.4026px;" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">Your Spirit leads me on</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; line-height: 17.4026px;" /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; line-height: 17.4026px;">By the power of Your love</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Words. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ancient. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Timely. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Perfect. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Words that penetrate the heart. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reaching deep into the aching hole. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We can be refreshed and filled; even when we're hurting. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I never knew I could know such peace. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I never knew the intimacy I would feel with Christ when </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">so much had been torn from me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I let the words wash over me as we sing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hold this moment close.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to burn this message deep within. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beyond anything I could ever ask or imagine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When the world seems dark and empty. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is light. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I feel I can barely breathe another agonizing breath. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeXXvLjUWXzh-Ptphhpcr1-Wryt8s-8yF1gnofKFNHo5w2KMnXg0ZTKTGkDUz_h7N8JxqD1klc2q2bRt5XXMNV1j7zYXOaL9LT_qUKHvsy9eFJZXGZBVe0c-2v3bA1RDiqaa38oLnbzyu/s1600/74955_1088626324531719_2866318468429100473_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeXXvLjUWXzh-Ptphhpcr1-Wryt8s-8yF1gnofKFNHo5w2KMnXg0ZTKTGkDUz_h7N8JxqD1klc2q2bRt5XXMNV1j7zYXOaL9LT_qUKHvsy9eFJZXGZBVe0c-2v3bA1RDiqaa38oLnbzyu/s320/74955_1088626324531719_2866318468429100473_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and tongue confess. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jesus has brought me to this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will bring me through it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;">There is strength in the name of the Lord</span><br /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;">There is power in the name of the Lord</span><br /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;">There is hope in the name of the Lord</span><br /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;">Blessed is He, who comes in the name of the Lord</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Read more: </span><a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/in-the-name-of-the-lord-lyrics-sandi-patty.html#ixzz42thCi6Al" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #003399; line-height: 16px; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Sandi Patty - In The Name Of The Lord Lyrics | MetroLyrics</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">With each step, I feel the strength God is pouring forth. </span></span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">He takes our brokenness and creates beauty. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">He reaches in and smooths the harsh edges. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">I still don't know where God is leading. </span></span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">I sometimes feel abandoned and alone. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Fearful of what the future holds </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Fearful of life without Elijah. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Fearful the cancer has returned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">When I stand up close to God and allow Him to wash over me.</span></span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><i>Those fears flee.</i> </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">God is able to do the work He longs to do. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">We are headed to the cross today. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">A day of intense emotion. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">A week that began with elation and praise as Jesus entered Jerusalem. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Now ends with humiliation, death and grief. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><i><b>But that is not the end of the story. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">God was still writing. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><i>He wasn't done yet. </i></span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">We have to stay in the game to see the ending. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Just when you think it was over. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Death had the victory. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">What seemed impossible came to pass. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><i>The real ending came. </i></span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Death was overcome. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">The stone was rolled away!</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Death could not hold the Savior of the world. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">He rose from the agony of death. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">HE DEFEATED THE ENEMY. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">This Jesus, who today is mocked and ridiculed. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Believers beheaded, this day, because of their faith in this Jesus. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">This Jesus </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">is coming back friends. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">He is coming to take you and me -</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">To heaven; forever. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">The promise; fulfilled. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">There will be no more tears, no more pain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Our anguish and grief will be no more. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br />I want to stay in the game. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">I long to see how the rough spots will be smoothed. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">How God will do His work. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">On this Good Friday. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">While we hang in the balance. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Waiting.</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">I will look to the cross. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">I am ready.</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">I am waiting. </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-64388272739381453332016-03-20T19:17:00.000-04:002016-03-20T19:17:47.671-04:00New Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hold her baby.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYskLl0QmwVq9IVjPkU3l1BEHs33YtOCu5q4g2VC6G_CsquUpMM6oUXA_dQ4V-FkxGexuCplBBNZf2qsgjgyGPxurFDSVZJwFnjXcGkJ0j-XK97PQ_Nziz85UFI5s1I81QNL4PhsDOgSh/s1600/Me+holding+Evie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYskLl0QmwVq9IVjPkU3l1BEHs33YtOCu5q4g2VC6G_CsquUpMM6oUXA_dQ4V-FkxGexuCplBBNZf2qsgjgyGPxurFDSVZJwFnjXcGkJ0j-XK97PQ_Nziz85UFI5s1I81QNL4PhsDOgSh/s320/Me+holding+Evie.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A beautiful bundle of sweetness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I look at this girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>This beautiful mom. </b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl3I_TyjdK20MdqaoNG2LLpV5PY9xmxHGEaSUxrOGXrWHIJx2w_78iyRpT9kIFfwhoxDHE3AGsmUzjF9bNT4OlsdtWdVXro-aPV1aA83SKySgtuMDdSKSGT82_F8tMdIX6jtLAZvMQE3-/s1600/1549517_1090597461001272_806660673285201488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl3I_TyjdK20MdqaoNG2LLpV5PY9xmxHGEaSUxrOGXrWHIJx2w_78iyRpT9kIFfwhoxDHE3AGsmUzjF9bNT4OlsdtWdVXro-aPV1aA83SKySgtuMDdSKSGT82_F8tMdIX6jtLAZvMQE3-/s400/1549517_1090597461001272_806660673285201488_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think how blessed I am. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am the step mom. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A woman she did not ask for in her life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Circumstances beyond her control. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet, she has opened her heart and let me in. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She has shared so much of who she is with me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's daddy's girl you know. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6RRbnlcdXrLhnS3vZHWKQZ4D39JahzbuQyNNq4NfRoCMZQ-e6tcypuXSC-4ahQTsv7OHC2WKmEbtwGjY7UpQ7pORdk8emuv2ootd2MN6AYPyE495b6im_I3nGqSfi-YdsEs5RWksSRaP/s1600/10351175_1090488424345509_4868151183926558814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6RRbnlcdXrLhnS3vZHWKQZ4D39JahzbuQyNNq4NfRoCMZQ-e6tcypuXSC-4ahQTsv7OHC2WKmEbtwGjY7UpQ7pORdk8emuv2ootd2MN6AYPyE495b6im_I3nGqSfi-YdsEs5RWksSRaP/s320/10351175_1090488424345509_4868151183926558814_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And another stole her heart. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvZESk8VPhmke0r1ICjQIsq4cuXJk7QULKk0MIOy8OZ1m_-N_98bYQ0hky0AkwMB8zvozH41ayY14h5w3TL7tYmAkcVwITfJM1KQj7rbWOvNl8dj0V40tb1Prqvgmos1_6gMw23gN3tj5/s1600/Adam+and+Lilah+having+a+tea+party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvZESk8VPhmke0r1ICjQIsq4cuXJk7QULKk0MIOy8OZ1m_-N_98bYQ0hky0AkwMB8zvozH41ayY14h5w3TL7tYmAkcVwITfJM1KQj7rbWOvNl8dj0V40tb1Prqvgmos1_6gMw23gN3tj5/s320/Adam+and+Lilah+having+a+tea+party.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And now I hold her second born. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHVZ7OCucvmJxrbdRXWdVLfPHfzAFUhKQBBSTzVKV-dfVbmfe3weRIRWQw7imwvUd5WSGS5wug5dN1E2lv5eiIKkCNF5oA6Zd-7hfeTWtpf0mikLTryKDWM5eY0tsZJJx8zybeYXRpAzI/s1600/1512578_10100142490479924_3135406889795471581_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHVZ7OCucvmJxrbdRXWdVLfPHfzAFUhKQBBSTzVKV-dfVbmfe3weRIRWQw7imwvUd5WSGS5wug5dN1E2lv5eiIKkCNF5oA6Zd-7hfeTWtpf0mikLTryKDWM5eY0tsZJJx8zybeYXRpAzI/s320/1512578_10100142490479924_3135406889795471581_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to weep. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to weep for my boy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I want to weep for all that will not be. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>And all that will be. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pace of life travelling on. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ebbing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard to catch your breath sometimes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You want to stay in the here and now. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Press on. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Move forward. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet the tension remains of leaving behind part of your heart;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> part of who you are. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hold the newest child. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Evie Ann Brittain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGc5mw99zeSdcAlXAoaGTZM6zqWH6DM17_PJHFOoPvpPiS4sd3bsglOIcpj5klZHoViBhJeJS7ho7mJLiTrZPxwAYTyTs1KPIlY1-vbmdV9m_vqYJndfWOej1x4AXpdtN_OABJLACAoyK/s1600/10435391_10100141997118624_7296588768090752429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGc5mw99zeSdcAlXAoaGTZM6zqWH6DM17_PJHFOoPvpPiS4sd3bsglOIcpj5klZHoViBhJeJS7ho7mJLiTrZPxwAYTyTs1KPIlY1-vbmdV9m_vqYJndfWOej1x4AXpdtN_OABJLACAoyK/s320/10435391_10100141997118624_7296588768090752429_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She joins big sister, Lilah Rose Brittain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvT39Jx6FIqGQ5UOqyDDvB-D8I4DT6ADDYL5gK7kle4xI6ZAD36e-U_AeeL1sDhdk_4zSAeHrcodzUL7DhV4z3_CQmvev0tIa1YJyZq_iwHXSZjgLh6NVpIqt35tf14JIXrTl2XoMRZD0/s1600/226915_10100142131793734_8369755584087782530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvT39Jx6FIqGQ5UOqyDDvB-D8I4DT6ADDYL5gK7kle4xI6ZAD36e-U_AeeL1sDhdk_4zSAeHrcodzUL7DhV4z3_CQmvev0tIa1YJyZq_iwHXSZjgLh6NVpIqt35tf14JIXrTl2XoMRZD0/s320/226915_10100142131793734_8369755584087782530_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who, only the other day, seemed to be the baby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The future. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hope. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Isaiah 43:19</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">do you not perceive it? </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each day is a risk. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We choose to love and live. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We choose joy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are not guaranteed anything. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moments lived to make minutes; which become a lifetime. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All held in the Father's hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I breathe in the scent of baby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I close my eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the next generation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The oldest Farm girl will pass down the stories </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and all that farm life encompasses. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jvtHjLB7oTmnAp69rEi0KZyTY8sxOiptYS1hm3BdddTVyylktx7yuXouyNfJCTPHkReUE6L3G7fUfUB0enVoaTM81-NPyYIGAduUioyNeSJSEAaGIuueqvImv5W9yTSqqCklNS3IAWUp/s1600/74955_1088626324531719_2866318468429100473_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jvtHjLB7oTmnAp69rEi0KZyTY8sxOiptYS1hm3BdddTVyylktx7yuXouyNfJCTPHkReUE6L3G7fUfUB0enVoaTM81-NPyYIGAduUioyNeSJSEAaGIuueqvImv5W9yTSqqCklNS3IAWUp/s320/74955_1088626324531719_2866318468429100473_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>She will nurture the hope that comes. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will share about her Uncle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Uncle Elijah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will share his love for his Creator. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My farmer and I will watch. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will guide when asked. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will marvel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We will give praise for new life.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQbe1dNLG-1G3iHk8z-CN9W0tNDXd2Q4J04d8cmzUwPDCULW4oBtKOa99gaBixiGDbZ7S4N6Qpd2pIguQkUuR_shQCqVIMckVEbN6X0TEH_VELq2nXVQqnzqBbn3lg_k1JNm11x7P_vfq/s1600/11219393_1092196234174728_1732145842208017321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQbe1dNLG-1G3iHk8z-CN9W0tNDXd2Q4J04d8cmzUwPDCULW4oBtKOa99gaBixiGDbZ7S4N6Qpd2pIguQkUuR_shQCqVIMckVEbN6X0TEH_VELq2nXVQqnzqBbn3lg_k1JNm11x7P_vfq/s320/11219393_1092196234174728_1732145842208017321_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3763724112250459614.post-35300889939836942452016-03-12T07:42:00.000-05:002016-03-12T15:47:10.029-05:00Those Dark Days; They Will Come<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The dark of the day rises to meet me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The warmth of the previous days a tease. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-letter-to-my-son.html" target="_blank">My son, my son,</a> my soul cries out. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I pass the accident site. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I slip. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The images flash before me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Images I never saw. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Images that played out while I slept. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My darling red head. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My first born son. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-community-grieves.html" target="_blank">Passed from this life while I slept. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Oh, how I miss him. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The deep, piercing ache creeps through my veins today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The wait for next tests for my farmer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I cling to the <a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2015/01/those-ancient-words.html" target="_blank">Ancient promises. </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The truth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This road will never be easy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet I want these times to glorify the One who allowed it to happen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even in my lowest time; when the ache seems strongest, I cling to hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>There is always, always hope. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not the, "<i>I hope I get a bike for Christmas</i>" hope. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-holy-season-wrapped-in-hope-practiced.html" target="_blank">The hope of the assurance</a> of the grace of the King of Kings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He reaches down and comforts those who mourn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remind myself of truth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-healing-power-of-upside-down-snowman.html" target="_blank">Truth</a> that Elijah is where we all long to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>There is a purpose and a plan. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God will use all these pieces together; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to bring glory and honor to his name. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will be exalted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/11/to-despair-is-to-turn-your-back-on-god.html" target="_blank">He will be praised. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I feel the icy hurt and fear begin to melt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The deep sense of peace and assurance, once again rises. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0sj9sMHRiOUsRtB1OjISJwIlYvYl54pbmGGMHidNIbhZIgg61t2XhLK2IYkibxVQHPHE_RjP0z-lvCoAabmkeW_eoyktMBqswpavzl_kbSmjRpOr1I_YR8Q0RDu6Y11XsPg8hi3d9XD9/s1600/DSCN6608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0sj9sMHRiOUsRtB1OjISJwIlYvYl54pbmGGMHidNIbhZIgg61t2XhLK2IYkibxVQHPHE_RjP0z-lvCoAabmkeW_eoyktMBqswpavzl_kbSmjRpOr1I_YR8Q0RDu6Y11XsPg8hi3d9XD9/s320/DSCN6608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>My strength only comes from God on High.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me, there is no other way to walk this road. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I pass the accident site a few more times this day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each time praying fervently for holiness to reign in that spot. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For memories of good times to come flooding through. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2014/06/when-words-fail.html" target="_blank">The college girl</a> is coming home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The oldest farm girl is heavy with child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Time is marching forward. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizV44e-KvZWYCxcp6dNDmUB3SN7wosz64gRHZZz_GFmuwAGSh_2Kr6dQlfE2S2D_7tKLyBzcKATXXeVo1tTYegm4no3lcV0pGcgczaHAktknmPrd1G9LnVzofHDKwfnF38SqhEGWp41Viu/s1600/230514_228371383845203_6683273_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizV44e-KvZWYCxcp6dNDmUB3SN7wosz64gRHZZz_GFmuwAGSh_2Kr6dQlfE2S2D_7tKLyBzcKATXXeVo1tTYegm4no3lcV0pGcgczaHAktknmPrd1G9LnVzofHDKwfnF38SqhEGWp41Viu/s400/230514_228371383845203_6683273_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If I don't embrace these moments; those too will be lost forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I choose, once again to push through these agonizing moments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To breathe deeply the hope in Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With feet planted on the solid rock of my Savior I press on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will wait for the call for our new grandchild </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will wait in hope for God's directions in our lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 33:20</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We wait in hope for the LORD;</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> he is our help and our shield.</span></i></span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And each day I will give Praise and Honor to the one who numbers our days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Isaiah 43:19</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">do you not perceive it? </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.</span></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10077376592641214474noreply@blogger.com0