Two Roads Diverge

It seems everything I'm coming across lately deals with my walk and choices to be made. I'm seeing words like 'path' and 'way' and 'boundary lines' every time I turn around. In my personal Bible study, I read Jeremiah 6:14-17 which talks about the crossroads, asking for the 'old paths' and 'walking' the 'good way' as opposed to having no shame and not even knowing how to blush. In another study, I learned about Lot's choice to 'set his face toward Sodom' and the horrible consequences he experienced as a result. Another passage I came across in my personal reading was Psalm 16:5-11. I think of the boundary lines falling in pleasant places for me, and how God makes known to me the path of life. Alan recently delivered a lesson about followers of 'The Way'. The book I'm reading right now is even called 'The Mom Walk'.

Do you ever think of the various 'intersections' we face in life? Sometimes it's an obvious crossroads--a "T" if you will. You literally have to stop and make a definitive turn in one direction or another. You can't move forward until you make a decision. I know (and am praying for) people faced with a crossroads in their life right now.

Other times you're just cruising along on your path and another path appears up ahead to gently veer off. Do you continue as you've always gone along, or do you explore this slight variation? It might not be as well-traveled; it might be a little more difficult to navigate. But that might make all the difference. I see a little path veering slightly ahead in my life. What to do? Take that little path, stepping a little different route from some of my fellow travelers, or continue on the known road, the companionable road.

At other times it seems a mere little detour presents itself. You'll end up back on the same path, there's just a circuitous, scenic route you could choose. Is it a waste of time, or will the experience change you in a good way that you don't want to miss? Still other times, two roads travel along in a parallel fashion. Both are headed the same way, but for whatever reason, you need to not walk the exact same path as another. Perhaps there are a few extra potholes on your path, or an unexpected waterfall--slight variations between your experience and that of someone on the path you get occasional glimpses of through the trees.

Wherever we walk, I am reminded that we are to walk humbly with our God, worthy of our call, in truth, in the light, in love, and in good works. Rare is the opportunity to go back and choose the road we rejected in the past, for as Frost himself said 'way leads on to way'. So we make the best decision we can with the information we have at hand, and trust that God walks along with us, willing to lift us over the fallen branches. He always gives us another chance, another intersection down the road, a way of escape, even as we bear consequences from wrong turns in our past.

What do you see ahead in your path? A crossroad? A little dirt path nearly hidden by the undergrowth no one has navigated recently? A slight detour? A long, open road: wide, easy, paved? Is there a bend right in front of you, and you have no idea what lies just around it?

Happy 2nd Birthday, Baby Girl

I can't believe she is two already. Tell me how the days can go by slowly while the weeks and months fly by! Kiana loves Dora, so we had a Dora birthday cake, balloons, plates, etc. She thought that was great fun, and says "D-D-D-Dora" (like the song).
Presents this year seemed to have a theme: lots of imaginative, girly play. She got a kitchen, dishes, food, apron, vacuum, broom, purse, necklaces. . .all that fun stuff. Daddy is a good sport and let her put her new 'lip' on him!
We had a lot of fun with my family when they came down. Daddy got out the tractor and we went on a hayride--see Kiana sitting on big sissy's lap.

I thought my nephew, Isaiah, was so adorable putting hay in his mouth like big cousin Destry!Then we went to the corn field and let all the kids pick ears of corn. This is my brother with his son, Nathan.Kiana thought she was big stuff with her 'own' ear of corn, and then she thoroughly enjoyed feeding it to the chickens.All the little kids were so cute--some braver than others. I have to admit, I thought it beat a Chuck E Cheese birthday party all to pieces!Oh, my baby girl, you are so precious, and I am so, so grateful to God for the blessing you are in our lives!

Off With Their Heads!

Warning: this post is not for those with a weak stomach! :) I'm not very good at taking pictures when we butcher chickens, because we are busy. But this year I made a special point to take some pictures so my kids will have evidence of these joyful memories when they are adults. Here they are, for your viewing pleasure, especially for those of you who have never been a part of this process.

First, the chicken is put into a jug head down, where his throat is slit and he can hang to drain the blood.

Once the blood is adequately drained, Destry dips the chickens into scalding water. . .
then he puts them into the chicken plucker that Alan built several years ago. It only takes about 30 seconds to pluck the feathers off two chickens. This is much easier for Alan than the years he plucked the chickens by hand.

After this point, the chickens go to Alan's station where he cuts off the feet and neck and removes the guts from the cavity, cleaning the inside of the chicken as well as he can.


Destry usually has the delightful job of cleaning the gizzard, which is usually full of feed and corn and other appetizing crud.
At this point, the chickens are placed in ice cold water, where they wait for Briana and I to cut them up.
I have an unusual system in dividing the chickens into different types of meals for our family. First, we cut the legs off and divide them into legs and thighs. These go into one freezer bag designated 'fryer' which we use to make fried chicken or bake in various recipes. Then we remove the wings and cut them into three pieces, one of which is discarded and the other two will become buffalo or barbecue wings. The next step is to remove boneless, skinless chicken breasts which I use in many different recipes (this is always the first cut I run out of). Finally, the breastbone and back are deposited into my big roaster pan with a lot of water to cook on a low heat. I leave a few chickens whole to bless family and friends or to bake with rice stuffing. . .yummy!
It is so rewarding to see the freezer stacked with these cuts of chicken to feed our family through the next year.
The next step involves picking the chicken meat off the bones and canning the meat and broth for chicken and noodles, dumplings, casseroles and soups. I've frozen the broth and meat before, but my preference is to can it, because it is SO convenient to pop open a jar when you have unexpected company and whip up some dumplings without waiting for the meat and broth to thaw. Kiana got involved in this step, stuffing the meat into the jars.
Look at how many meals I'll get out of all that yummy meat and broth! I love chicken--it is so versatile.
Alas, there is no picture of Easton and Kiana trashing their bedroom while we were busy butchering. They got the fish food from under the aquarium (which is a no-no in the first place!), and took it into their room where they dumped it all over their carpet and beds and were running around in it, throwing it into the air like confetti and yelling 'whooo! whooo!' I didn't know whether to cry, laugh, spank them, or run away. . . Shall I mention how hard it is to get flaky fish food out of Kiana's hair?! I knew it was awfully quiet in there, and then that telltale 'whoo' prompted me to wash my hands and go see what was going on. They always know when we are busy and distracted, don't they. After that, they had to play in the living room where I could see them or they had to help with what they could! :)

Sooner Rather Than Later

I'm a procrastinator, so would usually rather put everything off until later. I also believe in allowing children priviliges later rather than sooner, and in my educational philosophy, I subscribe to the Moores and their 'Better Late Than Early'.

But there is one area I would rather deal with sooner than later: rebellion and evidence that parents know best. It is so much easier if a child 'tries' to rebel when they're young so you can nip it in the bud and they learn not to fight their parent. Once they are mid-teens, it seems to me the parents have less control over them (if they don't have their hearts) and that rebellion can have such larger consequences.

I'm praying for an opportunity with my 12 year old son. We had a wonderful life lesson with my daughter (now 13 1/2) a couple years ago. We were staying with some friends who have a 17 yod (wonderful and sweet girl). Some of her friends were getting together to watch 'Runaway Bride' so she asked if Briana wanted to come too. Of course Briana wanted to, but as her parents, it didn't seem like a great idea to us. All the other kids were at least 14-15 (she was 12), we didn't know the hosting family very well, etc. So we said no. She submitted to our decision outwardly, but I'm her mom--I know in her heart she was. . .well, let's face it, she was mad, thought we just didn't understand, and that we were mean. (not that I ever felt that way with my parents! ha!)

I'm so thankful for what happened next, even though I know it was hard on our friend's daughter. About an hour later, she came storming in the front door and ran up the stairs to her room, obviously on the verge of tears. Her dad excused himself from our conversation and went to talk to her. Now, this young lady loves the Lord and tries to live her life in a pleasing way to Him, so she had decided there are certain movies that she isn't going to watch. Once she got to the friend's house, they had all decided to watch a movie with an R rating and a sensual theme (personally, I suspect the original movie choice was to appease parents and this was the plan all along). She told them she didn't want to watch it, but they wouldn't listen to her and she ended up leaving the party and coming home.

My daughter was a witness to this whole scene. Do you understand why I praise God for that?! I had a wonderful talk with her that evening. If she had gone, and the 17 yo friend hadn't been strong enough to stand up for her convictions, what would Briana have done? She was 12--they certainly wouldn't listen to her if they wouldn't listen to the popular older girl. And she couldn't just jump in her car and leave. Perhaps her parents really DO have her best interests at heart. Perhaps her parents really MIGHT know what's best.

I see this as a turning point in our relationship. She really seems to understand that we LOVE her and want only the best for her. She seems to comprehend that we have more experience than she does, which helps us see possible outcomes of actions. This has led to her having a more submissive heart that trusts in her parents so that she isn't nurturing a rebellious heart.

So, now I'm praying for a similar situation to arise with Destry, and for the wisdom to handle it in a way that turns his heart to us. Sometimes a mother's heart can just sense these things, and I'm sensing this need. Sooner, rather than later. . .

Move On If You Dare

I recently started a study of the Patriarchs of the Old Testament in my personal Bible study, and I am really enjoying it. It's amazing to me how reading a commentary can make me think differently about something that seems an 'old fact' without fresh insight. For example, remember how God called Abram to leave the country of Ur and go to a land He would show him?(Gen 12, Acts 7:2-4) Abram took his father, Terah, and they settled in the land of Haran for a while until Terah died. Now, we don't know 'why' they stopped there--maybe Terah was old and sick or something. But F. B. Meyer had an interesting perspective:

"It becomes us to be very careful as to whom we take with us in our pilgrimage. We may make a fair start from our Ur; but if we take Terah with us, we shall not go far. . .Let us all beware of that fatal spirit of compromise which tempts us to tarry where beloved ones bid us to stay. 'Do not go to extremes,' they cry; 'we are willing to accompany you on your pilgrimage, if you will only go as far as Haran. . .'

This made me consider: who (in general) could Terah represent? I thought a lot about compromises preventing us from getting us where God wants us to be. Others say 'don't be a fanatic, just fit in, don't be too weird, don't stick out, we must be "culturally relevant". . .'

It also fit in with something I was reading on a blog the other day about Bible teachers/church leaders who advocate mediocrity, fail to hold members accountable, lower the bar, preach the Christian life as easy, fun, etc. rather than count the cost and take up the cross. She said:

Christ calls men to carry a cross; we call them to have fun in His name. He calls them to forsake the world; we assure them that if they but accept Jesus the world is their oyster. He calls them to suffer; we call them to enjoy all the comforts of modern civilization. He calls them to holiness; we call them to a cheap happiness that would have been rejected by the least of the philosophers."

These people keep us from getting to Israel, and actually want us to 'take up residence' in a certain spot (Haran), not to outgrow them, not to challenge them--they just tell us we are 'fine' and to be comfortable. They encourage us to compromise, not to be too radical or extreme, but settle in the land of Haran instead of persevering and continuing on to the PROMISED LAND God wants to bless us with. It made me think of the life of Christian mediocrity we tend to live b/c it’s easy and not TOO different and doesn’t make anyone else uncomfortable—and there are so many who can be Terahs!

Personally, this made me think of two areas of my life: homeschooling and adoption. I’ve had so many tell me I shouldn’t educate my children at home because my kids will be weird, overprotected, not ready for the ‘real world’, miss out on experiences, not be a light to others, etc., etc. And then with adoption, I've had people try to discourage us from adopting because they adopted and they had a lot of grief in child rearing, so they blame adoption. I've had others caution against ‘bad blood’, the effect on our older children, fear of birthparents (both trying to get their children back and being a bad influence on the children later in life), etc, etc. (I won't bore you with all the lines we've heard.)

But look at what I would have missed had I listened to Terah and stayed in Haran!!!!! No Easton. No Kiana. No memories with Briana and Destry of all the fun unit studies we’ve done, the growth we’ve experienced in our relationships, the time together, the difficulties we’ve HAD to work through, the maturity and insight they have both developed, my personal growth and walk of faith, learning to rely on God instead of myself.

Haran might be more comfortable; it might be easier; it might be more acceptable. But this study motivated me to continue on to the Promised Land, walking in obedience to God, because I am confident it is a land rich with blessings.

So, what is your 'Ur' God wants you to leave? And who might be your Terah (in general, not specific) who bids you to settle for Haran instead of continuing on to the Promised Land of blessing?

***edit: in re-reading this, I also think of the many 'true friends' (as my friend Bree would call them!) who have NOT been Terahs, but who have supported me, encouraged me, and even understood me as we take different roads on our respective journeys.

Simply Living

I'm in a place I never thought I would be. Everyone would believe it, indeed expect it, from Alan. I guess I've just gone along for the ride--and discovered I enjoy it. It's actually quite fun and rewarding to do something for yourself. I certainly have an independent streak, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. There's such a sense of accomplishment in knowing you did something--made it yourself and are not dependent on others--that you could maybe survive without all the niceties of life.

I've discovered I truly enjoy having a milk cow. The butter, sour cream, yogurt, homemade ice cream and milk are lots of fun. But the real fun, for me, is in the cheese. Isn't this just a beautiful yield?! I love making mozzarella and also enjoy fromage blanc, which can be used like cream cheese (in cooking or dips), like ricotta (in lasagna or calzones), or in recipes like Cheese and Pepper Biscuits (mmmm, good!).

Notice that beautiful whey left in the pot. Well, research says whey is excellent for pigs, and reduces their feed bill by 30-40%. So, yes, we once again are raising pigs for the freezer, and they like the whey!They're a lot bigger than this already, and on less feed than it took last time. Isn't that a great perk to my bizarre new hobby of making cheese? Alan finished building me a cheese press tonight (that man can do anything!).
Yes, it's that white thing with the black circles on top and bottom. You put the cheese in there, screw it down, then put the gauge on top and press the cheese at the assigned weight for the prescribed amount of time. Guess I'll be graduating from soft cheeses to hard cheeses. (You see, he thinks everyone can do everything, just like he can!!!) Hope it works!

It's really interesting to think of how the 'simple life' works. I remember once several years ago talking with my Grandma (who was born in 1916) about her life as a child and young mother. As I thought of all my modern conveniences, I commented that I was glad I lived in this time period because she had to work so hard! She surprised me as she returned with "Oh, honey, you kids have it a lot harder than I ever did!" She went on to comment on the busyness of life and the many stresses we now have in our culture. "We worked hard, yes," she said, "but our life was simple and we enjoyed life instead of trying to keep up with running all the time."

I think I can sort of see what she was saying now, especially since we went on a 'field trip' this past weekend to a home where the people have reverted to the 'simple life' with no electricity, gas, or running water. I think their main focus is about being 'green' and living a simpler life to regain their focus and proper relationships. They work just to survive--just to provide for their basic needs. Alan thought it would be great to try for a week or two--no cell phone, computer, TV. . .just stress-free hard work. (He's cut from a different mold than I am!! I'm pretty sure I need my washing machine, stove, fridge and dishwasher!!!) But it WAS fascinating, and very peaceful. I can see how it would be easier to keep the proper focus and enjoy our relationships more without all the distractions, interruptions, and busyness.

The kids certainly enjoyed the day. Destry and some other boys couldn't wait for their turn at the hand tools used in working with wood.

The cider press was a big hit. . .especially when they got to enjoy the fruit of their labor!

And Briana had fun making beeswax candles with some of her friends.
So, overall, it was a good day and motivated me to be more productive with my time and to cut out more busyness so we can enjoy the simpler things in life. For example, guess what will be happening to these "no longer cute and little chicks" on Saturday!!!

A Matter of Perspective

What used to be strong, decisive, committed, loyal, constant and dependable was this week seen as closed-minded, boorish, immovable, stubborn and resistant.

Isn't it funny how that can happen? It just made me think how often our perception is affected by our preconceived notions. Or maybe it's just about whether we agree with the other person or not.

We might admire someone who is adventurous, open-minded and willing to try anything yet later criticize the same person for being irresponsible, flighty, and fickle. The cautious, responsible person might earn our respect in one situation, only to be scorned as hesitant and indecisive in the next. The loud person in the center of the group might be perceived as confident, gregarious, friendly and welcoming by one visitor while another sees that same person as prideful and obnoxious.

What do you think? Are they just two sides of the same coin?