Farming On Faith

It's Going To Be A Fabulous Friday~

2012-02-10T08:30:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Bloggy Friends~

I told you last week on one of our spring in the winter days~ I thought winter should just go ahead and get the show on the road. It has officially arrived. That arctic blast has us frozen like pop sickles here at Farming on Faith. It is only going to reach the 20's today. It has been a strange winter but in a good way. How is your weather today?

Miss Billie is in a tizzy because her Easter Lilly flowers have started to bloom and now with a hard freeze she has lost them this year. I have noticed many of your spring flowers are already blooming. Many things have started to peep through the ground a couple months early. I am holding my breathe to see how the rest of winter plays out. I think we may be doing the "rain dance" come summer. LOL

It is going to be a fabulous Friday~ I have a reason to celebrate. Our daughter Jessica is coming for supper and bringing the babies. I think this calls for homemade Valentine sugar cookies. This just puts a spring in my step~ even in the middle of winter.

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Keeping Our Focus

This morning in my devotion time I was reading about God's power. King David reminds us that we can not trust in our own puny attempts to get through this life. We need to rely on God's power~ it is from Him that our salvation comes. Not only to save our soul for eternity but to walk through this life without falling by the wayside.

Psalm 62:1

Truly my soul waiteth upon God:

from him cometh my salvation.

We need to realize that each one of us are a mess and we need God. Wearing a smile and hose to church does not make us a "good Christian girl." Walking in faith means placing our trust in Him alone. It means my complete dependence is on him for my provision, protection and providence.

When we place our energy on~ us doing it all and being in control it becomes like a hamster on that silly wheel going round and round and never getting anywhere but exhausted and worn out. We hop on that wheel trying to be holy and in control only to become desperate trying to keep up with the tyranny of "should of " and "need to" along with "false guilt."

As a mother one of the hardest things to do is let go~ trust that God does not need our assistance in running the Universe. There was a time when I ran our little "Shindorf Universe" but those days are quickly coming to an end. To tell you the truth~ I don't like it. The best times I had in life were when my children were all in their beds tucked in safe and sound. I felt in control because I could keep them safe when they were under my watchful eye. But God has pried open my fingers and I have had to let go. It is a hard thing for a woman to let go~ so very hard.

Trying to be in control when your world gets bigger and bigger leads us to want to say bad words and gobble down chocolate. Are you hearing me? I know you are if you are a mother~ wife~ grandmother~ daughter and all those other roles I listed yesterday. There is hope beyond cussing and chocolate. God wants us to give up our exhausting self efforts and come back to the security of His divine sovereignty.

We will once again get our wind when we take our eyes off of ourselves and focus on God's power.

Are You Being Too Hard On Yourself?

2012-02-09T08:43:00.004-06:00

click image for photo source

I read a devotion today at Proverbs 31 Women~ "Bad Moments Don't Make Us Bad Moms." We do this to ourselves all the time. My mothering days are almost over but this has been a constant replay in my mind. Today I did great with my kids~ Good Mom. Yesterday I blew it~ Bad Mom. This is the case in all our relationships~ today I was a good wife~ good daughter. Yesterday I was a bad wife ~ bad daughter.

The truth is I have tried my hardest to be the best person/mom I could be~ when things were sailing along great~ the kids were behaving ~ school work was caught up~ the homemade bread turned out and my husband had a happy face when he walked in the door~ it was easy to be a good mom. But when things were not going so good ~ the kids were not so well behaved~ the dishwasher broke down and the baby is running a fever~ Bad Mom. We have a bad moment or two or maybe fifty sometimes! We are tempted to beat ourselves up. Life can be very heavy at times~ can't it?

Do you ever feel like a ping ~ pong bouncing back and forth? I sure do. I am a child of God, a wife, a mother, a mother-in-law, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, a daughter-in-law, a sister-in-law, an aunt, a niece, a cousin, a friend ect...... we play so many roles. That is who I am ~ that does not mention what I do. I know it is the same for you. We all have many facets to who we are and what we do.

Sometimes people expect more out of us than we have to give. My daughter said something to me recently. Ashley said, "Mom we are way to hard on the relationships in our lives, we need to give more grace." Such wisdom~ I want to go a step farther. I have come to realize this is true. It is also true that we do this to ourselves~ we need to give grace to ourselves because after all God does. We will all have bad moments but that does not mean we are defined by those bad moments.

On the flip side of this if you are a person expecting and demanding to have someone love you or perform in the way you demand them to~ this is wrong. You need to give people the licence to be themselves and not demand to have everything your way. We need to take our empty cups to Jesus and not put that unreal expectations on our relationships. Today we need to give one another grace and allow people to be who they are not what we want them to be.

As a child of an addict I grew up always having an adult mind~ trying to take care of everyone and trying to make everything smooth sailing for all people. Mentally this has aged my mind beyond its years and I am tired. I have finally decided to give myself grace and stop this. When we reach this point we need to give grace to ourselves.

Ephesians 2:4-5

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

God's grace is there to cover us. He teaches us in our bad moments and gives us a second chance. I am so thankful I serve a God of second chances~ and thirds and fourths. He will always forgive. He is long-suffering towards His children. Forgiveness is there~ love is there. He never expects more than we can give.

Can I just say to you?~ If you are doing your best as a woman today then that is good enough. It is God we need to please ~not people. Even those that we love so dearly!

Give yourself some grace and rest in that fact. You are a good mom~wife ~ daughter ect... even if you have had some bad moments..... you are exactly who the people in your life needed in spite of the bag moments.

Let's live in that truth today.

An Apple A Day~ Guess What Today Is?

2012-02-09T06:00:00.013-06:00

Proverbs 7:2

Keep my commandments, and live;

and my law as the apple of thine eye.

They say that apples are the perfect food. Apples have 15% of the fiber you need every day. Apples supply 13% vitamin A that you need daily. They contain enzymes and vitamin E that help fight the damage you receive from oxidation by free radicals. An apple skin provides nutrients that prevent blood clots and regulate blood pressure as well as cholesterol. It only has 81 calories and it is 0 Weight Watcher points. Now you know why our grandmothers said, "An apple a day keeps the Doctor away."

It is really no wonder why God would tell us to keep the Word of God as the ....."apple of our eye."Every time we take bites out of the Word of God we are adding spiritual nutrients that are necessary for our health and well being as a Christian. Have you had your spiritual apple today?

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Guess what today is?

When I take a bubble bath I grab an ice cold drink~ and a good book. Well today is a good day to do that because today is National Read A Book In The Bathtub Day~ no kidding! So go ahead and celebrate. I plan on it for sure with bubbles of course!

Have a great day~

1 Peter Bible Study~ Week Five

2012-02-07T19:52:00.002-06:00

Strengthen The Sacred Mix~

I Peter 3:1-7

Peter is speaking about submission still in this passage~ focusing on husbands and wives. The context leaves us to think that Peter is talking with women who are in difficult situations in their marriage. Throughout the centuries~ it is a proven fact that woman tend to respond to the Gospel more quickly than men do. Sue shares with us that the ratio in most churches is about 60 percent women to 40 percent men. Why?~ I think Pastors have been trying to figure that out for centuries now.

Peter explains that by nagging~ manipulating and demanding our way we will never get our way in spiritual matters or any other for that matter. But by a meek, quiet and submissive spirit will our husbands want to listen, acknowledge and consider our side of matters. **IN NO WAY IS PETER SAYING THAT WOMEN SHOULD SUBMIT TO PHYSICAL ABUSE~ but rather encouraging wives to work wisely to win the cooperation of their husband~ as so wisely stated by Sue.

It was a good refresher for me but I have nailed this issue of submission down a long time ago. Submission to our husband does not mean we are less of a person~ not as smart as our husband or in any way unequal to our husband. But in a marriage there needs to be order~ God gives the head of the home position to the man. He is not only responsible for the well being of his family~ he will answer to God. I like not having that on my shoulder.

Submission to me is giving up my way to my husband. You want to know the funny thing about it? The more I have let my husband have the final say throughout the years~ the more he cared to have my input. God truly knows best. My husband wants me to be happy and tries very hard to make me happy~ and most of the time gives me the final say. We have learned through the years to submit to each other. When two people are willing to give up their way in favor of the other ~ it just makes marriage sweet.

Ephesians 5:21

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Sue Edwards even had the nerve to ask us if we talk to much~ imagine that. Actually my Christian Womanhood Teacher~ Mrs. Johnson ~ tried to explain it this way. Women have around 20,000 words a day and men have only 7000 words a day. ( I think My Brian only has about 2000 a day.) She would tell us to spill out all those extra words on our friends~ if not, we will cause our husband to be overwhelmed with all 20,000 words of emotion~ ha.

NOW~ I ask you what Sue asked us ~ DO you talk to much? I have been working on this real hard~ so I am glad she asked. Finally I think after working on this for years now I can say most of the time ~ NO.

I guess you might have to ask My Brian.

Here are the verses Sue shared with us this week ~

Proverbs 10:19

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 13:3

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 17:1

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Proverbs 8:2

She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

Stormie Omartian in her book ~ The Power of a Praying Wife~ encourages wives to sometimes "shut up and pray." I can tell you it works so much better than nagging.

Peter knows that men are stronger than woman physically. He instructs men to treat their wives with utmost care and respect.

I really enjoyed this week's lesson.

1 Peter 3:1-7

¹Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
²While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
³Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
⁴But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
⁵For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
⁶Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
⁷Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Never Forget~

2012-02-07T08:09:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 13:16 (KJV)

But to do good and to communicate forget not:

for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

This morning in my Baptist Bread the topic was "Forget Not." God tell us here in this verse to forget not.

I am a list maker~ I mean I have a list at all times. If I don't my mind gets bogged down with everything I have to get done in the near future~ TODAY.

On my list for today I focus on what needs to be done today only ~with a list of items that can be done if time permits or what I need to get for the wedding or art class (ect..)~so if I happen to be out and about I can check my list. It just makes for a happy me to be around. Just so I don't forget. I hate to forget things.

There are things I should never forget as a Christian. I never want to forget all of the people in my life who molded me into ME~ my parents~grandparents they gave so much to me. I am so very thankful for the family God gave me. I never want to forget my in-loves who molded My Brian into the man I share my life with~ they are pretty special for the gift they gave me. I never want to forget that old faithful Preacher that loved and helped raise me~ he will forever be in my heart as a very special man. I never want to forget my siblings who have walked the same path as I have walked~they will forever be my best friends. I will never forget my children who made me a mom~ I would never have missed being their mom for the whole wide world.I never want to forget the ladies ~friends~ church family that bless me each and every day. You see it takes so many people to raise a child and mold a person into the person they become.

I never ~want to forget what my Saviour did for me on Calvary to take away my sin and make me righteousness in the sight of God. Righteousness means just as if I had never sinned.

Today is a fine day to remember the God of all the universe and all the people He has placed in your life who helped mold you into the person you are. I promise when you stop to remember ~ you will not forget how very blessed you are today. Now that is reason to celebrate!

A FROSTY Monday~Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-02-06T09:24:00.001-06:00

FOR TODAY~

Click here to take part~

Outside my window... It is cloudy and cold. We have spring for a week and then winter chills us to remind us that it truly is still winter.

I am thinking... how in the world did I get into this mess? Remember my three little kittens who lost their mittens? This morning I wake up to three more big monster cats on my porch~ it appears my adopted baby barn kittens have a reason for all the cats in the entire countryside to visit it ~you get what I mean?

Remember the momma kitty got hit but left me with these two on the right and a whole new litter we bottle fed and adopted out? I am not going to repeat that episode.

Called the vet and I am going to have to wait for three weeks to get them in and get rid of this dilemma. In the mean time I have placed them in a safe place. I really am NOT an animal person but apparently my heart is bigger than my brain.

I am thankful... for another day~ another week.

In the kitchen... whole wheat spaghetti~ salad~ garlic bread and fat free chocolate cake on the menu for supper.

I am wearing... leggings today~ it is cold!

I am creating... wedding invitations on Tiny Prints. I just love their merchandise.

I am going... to do school with Caleb~ chores~make sugar cookies for tomorrow's art class,
(we are making edible color wheels) drive Miss Billie and go to ensemble practice tonight. It is going to be a busy Monday. I really like to stay home on Mondays ~ how about you? There is always next week.

I am wondering... if I really have time to be on this computer~ probably not. Just wanted to say a quick hello to you. :)

I am reading... From Awe to Blah.

I am hoping... to get my list done today.

I am looking forward to... a lunch date with two of my sweet babies this week.

I am learning.... Life is a cinch by the inch but hard by the yard.

Around the house... basement project~ wedding plans........

I am pondering... “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” Proverbs 21:21 KJV

A favorite quote for today... I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do. - D L Moody

One of my favorite things... Iced Raspberry tea ~it has 0 points. It reminds my of spring and celebrations.

Take courage.

We walk in the wilderness today and

in the Promised Land tomorrow.- D L Moody

Praying you have a good and Godly day~

From Blah To Awe~

2012-02-05T20:30:00.000-06:00

This book is written by Max Lucado' s daughter~ Jenna. It is written to teen girls to help them keep their faith alive and exciting.

While I love the idea of this book ~ I do want to say it starts out with some adult conversation~ such as prostitution and drugs. I recommend parental involvement for that reason.

I remember being a teenage girl trying to follow Jesus. The world calls for attention and the bright lights are always shining to grab our attention. In this book Jenna introduces several girls with real teenage issues that every teenage girl can relate to. She gets really honest and shares her own struggles as she was trying to make her faith her own. Jenna challenges the reader to not keep God in a box or create our own idea of what God is~ but instead through the Bible she shows who the God of the Bible really is and why it is so important to give Him your life.

She challenges the reader to explore a more radical relationship with Jesus. The book encourages that through Bible reading and praying ~one will find more than Bible stories but also the solutions to all of life's problems and a guide book for this life we live.

This book was provided to me from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I give this book 4 stars and think it a great book for mom and daughters to read together.

Just Gotta Put A Smile On Your Face~

2012-02-05T07:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Lord's Day~

I just had to share this cute little song~ it was playing at JC Penny while I was shopping. I came home and googled it. How in the world did we ever survive without Google? This song just makes me smile~ how about you?

Snow in Missouri is to be expected but this year we have had springtime in winter. Signs of spring are popping up here and there but I am just sure winter will make an appearance eventually. It snowed last night and I sipped a cappuccino and watched it come down~ so pretty.

Today is going to warm up again and it looks like warm weather all week. I am loving the spring but this Missouri girl knows better than to believe it can be true. SO~ I say lets get winter over with~ so that it does not decide to arrive in April for our Hannah's wedding.

Hope you have a wonderful Lord's day~ I am excited to see what God has to speak to me about this morning in church.

“For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:4-5 KJV

What is your weather like today?

Celebrating In Heaven~

2012-02-03T08:27:00.006-06:00

Last September on a Thursday morning my dad called me. We talked about the flood that had covered his place up on the lake. He was about to take a camping trip and he could not wait to leave. He had his menu planned for he and one of his fishing buddies. He loved to cook and he was good at it. He had his groceries bought and his bags were packed. He was so excited about his camping trip.

He told me the Farmer's Almanac had predicted a bad winter for us. He was wrong about it being a bad winter. But maybe God knew I would need a springtime in the middle of winter this year.

We talked of gardening~ he loved to garden and was good at it. He did not like winter and was dreading the cold. But he liked to paint and he was good at that too. He would paint pictures during the winter and give them away. I love to cook and paint.

We had the best talk. I just listened as he talked and talked not much like him at all. He had so much to say that day~ so I listened. I am so glad we had that talk~ for it was the last time I talked to my dad. I am so glad I just listened~ which is not normal! ha!

He went out in his yard Monday night~ no one knows why? It was there he passed out of this life and into Glory. He was not a religious man but he had accepted Christ as his Saviour. He never made it to his camping trip~ but took the trip of a lifetime. I so wished I could have said goodbye~ but really I am horrible at goodbyes~ not really sure I could have done it. I guess looking back ~ God knew best.

He loved to garden~ and would be browsing his favorite seed catalogs by now. I am just sure there have to be big beautiful gardens in Heaven ~and I am sure he has found one to tend.

My grandmother always said, "You know your parents better dead than alive." Why is that? It's as if the book has been written and the last chapter has been closed and now you see them more clearly and understand. Maybe it is finally when we realize just how hard life was for them and we give them grace. Never do you understand until the day comes when they are gone~ you can't pick up the phone and call them. You can't hug them and tell them you love them. You just do not realize how very much they mean to you and how much you have always needed them.

I knew today would bring a fresh flow of tears but I am so thankful my dad is in Heaven today celebrating his birthday with his Maker. One day I will see him again~

Happy Birthday Dad~

James 4:14 (KJV)

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.

For what is your life? It is even a vapour,

that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

It Pays~

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is hard
To forget
To apologize
To save money
To be unselfish
To avoid mistakes
To keep out of a rut
To begin all over again
To make the best of all things
To keep your temper at all times
To think first and act afterwards
To maintain a high standard
To keep on keeping on
To shoulder blame
To be charitable
To admit error
To take advice
To forgive
But it pays!

- based on Matthew 7:1-2

Just A Happy Thought ~

2012-02-02T11:17:00.001-06:00

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV

Happy Thursday ~
Today is my cleaning day and we have been having spring weather all week. I mean it has me wanting to get out my spring decorations and start spring cleaning. I have seen a fly ~ a bumble bee and a woolly worm this week. I think they must be confused. Yet ~ again I think I am a bit confused. Even the grass is peeking through the ground with little splashes of bright green. Not sure what to think about it but after the last three winters~ we can sure use a mild one.
It has been a blessing.

I am buzzing around here like a bumble bee myself. Today is my cleaning day ~ I am cleaning away happy as can be for a day home. Then a sober thought hit me~tomorrow would have been my dad's 64th birthday. I like to take him to breakfast on his birthday. Funny how when you can't~ how badly you want to. Oh how I wish I could have one more day with him.

The tears still fall and it is still tender~ maybe it always will be. But I began thinking about him spending his birthday with Jesus in Heaven . Now that is just a happy thought. SO as I am sad by my not getting to see him on his birthday~ he is having the time of his life~kicking up his heels on streets of gold. Now that is something to celebrate today!

What A Day~

2012-02-01T18:06:00.000-06:00

Today I started Christmas shopping. Oh~ I know what you are saying~ "Not Already!" Hannah and I stopped in a few stores to shop for some things on our list for the wedding and look what we found.

All Christmas items were only~

We naturally could not pass on a deal like that.

I bought lights, tree tops, gift boxes, the cutest salt and pepper shaker, cards, ornaments and much more.

The entire cart was full~

Guess what the receipt read?

$4.47

I just love it when that happens!

8 Tips For Building A Marriage That Thrives~Guest Blogger

2012-02-01T08:10:00.000-06:00

Happy February~ The month we celebrate love.

I am so very thankful for this man I walk this journey with.

I am a well~kept woman!

I tell him almost everyday~ "I have been loving you for a very long time." I am truly blessed by my marriage..... I have decided I will keep him. Through the years he has been my rock~ my best friend~ my love. Our marriage is not perfect but I can tell you God has blended us into one through the years and it really has been one big adventure. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I can't imagine living a day without him. I am so thankful for a strong~Godly man full of character.

Today I would like to introduce you to Poppy Smith~ my guest blogger for today!

She has some great advice on keeping your marriage alive and well.

And now~ 8 Tips For Building A Marriage That Thrives

8 Tips For Building a Marriage That Thrives

The mega-millions spent by Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries, and Katy Perry and Russell Brand, on their lavish and exotic weddings failed to guarantee a long and blissful union. But they are not alone. Recent statistics show a decline in couples getting married and staying married for more than a few months or years.

Can marriages survive in today’s culture? Long-wedded author, Poppy Smith, says “Yes.” Here are Smith’s tips for building a marriage that not only works, but thrives:

Readjust your expectations. You didn’t marry your clone. Naturally, your partner will view some things differently. Be willing to flex and accept their right to be themselves.
Appreciate your different strengths. Analyze your personalities, your backgrounds, and what’s important to each of you. Identify each other’s strengths and affirm what these add to your relationship.
Learn to communicate so you’re heard. Women tend to explain and expand. Men tend to edit. To be heard, communicate according to your spouse’s desired style, not yours.
Understand each other’s feelings about money. Does money signal fun? Symbolize success? Guarantee security? Or ensure power? Knowing what it means to both of you helps in settling money battles.
Practice a conflict resolution style that works for both. Clarify what the conflict is about. Listen to each other’s reasoning and feelings without interrupting. Then decide what best builds your relationship.
Recognize the emotional needs of your mate. Both men and women want to be valued, admired, respected, and listened to. Discover what makes your spouse feel loved and special, then find ways to meet that need.
Prioritize romance and sexual intimacy. Sex matters. It gives physical and emotional pleasure, strengthens love, and deepens commitment. Make time to be sensuous. It pays rich dividends.
Share your Dreams. What is it each of you longs to achieve? Are there some dreams you want to accomplish together? Be encouragers to each other and discuss steps you can take now toward your goals.

About Poppy Smith:
With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages others to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives. Watch for Poppy's upcoming book release, Why Can't He Be More Like Me: 9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband.

Trusting and Obeying For Today~

2012-01-31T05:24:00.002-06:00

I have yellow on the brain~wedding plans are coming along.

Psalm 28:6-7 KJV

Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard

the voice of my supplications.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;

and with my song will I praise him.

GOOD MORNING~

I think life should be celebrated each and every day. I love my life and I love living. God created us to be joyful. He is constantly working in our lives ~ wanting us to do what he created us to do~ Praise Him.

After just coming through a valley longer and darker than any I have ever traveled~ I can say that God wants us to trust Him in everything~ even in death, sickness and broken dreams. My theme for 2012 has been letting go~ trusting God. Trusting is obeying God by what my actions are not by what I say. Then obeying God no matter how I feel. Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus then to trust and obey.

Understanding that God is Lord over all ~ trusting and obeying will bring joy once again. I am thankful that when life's circumstances bring us sorrow~ He can turn our sorrow into joy.

We need to be women of joy~ that truly is life at its best.

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We had just a little dusting of snow~ so unreal for us here in Missouri. The temps have been more like March around here. Yesterday we were at 65 degrees. Loving it.
Here is one of our "little kittens who lost her mittens" sharing Sadie's water. Maybe we should give her a name~ I think she is going to stay. She has befriended the chickens.

Drywall is up and the mudding has begun. This will be the family room. It is already looking so nice. We have started to pick out colors and flooring. My Brian has been working hard~ I am blessed.

Today is the first day of Spring Classes for the St. Joseph Homeschool Group. I am excited to be teaching art. I have 50 art students. It's going to be a fun ~joyful day.

Have a wonderful day~

How Can Believers Live Good Lives In An Increasing Un-Christian World?

2012-01-30T20:17:00.001-06:00

Week # 4 Bible Study~1 Peter 2:11-25

What a question? Peter knows that those under the sound of his voice would struggle with this as we do today. In a world that shouts~ stand up for your rights and if you are wronged get even~ how do we live different? The television screams sew if you maybe you can. But Peter gives us a different approach so unlike that of this world's system. Jesus did not stand up for His rights nor did he get even with those that mistreated Him.

Peter also urges us to abstain from fleshly lust. To be in this world but not of this world. To let our good works shine for the glory of God~ not to draw favor with God but to let others see a difference in our lives. To obey the laws of man and to live within the boundaries of our authority.

Peter explains that we are not of this world but are strangers ~ pilgrims just passing through. Our salvation by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ provides us a home in Heaven for all eternity. We have freedom in Christ but Peter warns not to use this freedom unjustly~to do maliciously.

¹⁶As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

We are to give honor to all men~ love our brethren~ honor our authority. Peter goes on the explain that servants are to be subject to their masters. Ouch~ I don't like that very well and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Yet~ Christ used it as an example. He came to this world as a servant. He suffered and was treated unjustly and unfair~he endured grief and suffered wrongly.

He came as the Lamb of God to be slaughtered. Do you know when a lamb goes to the slaughter it never never makes a sound? That is so very convicting to me. He chose to represent himself as a lamb.

Christ came to take our sins upon Him as they nailed Him to that tree. He suffered and died for my sin and yours. So that in Him we were made righteous. But it says here that we may live unto righteousness~ being dead to sins. We don't have to live according to this world's rules. We were lost sheep until Christ saved us and now we have a Shepherd. We are to be different~ we are to follow our Shepherd's example.

Living Stone Story~
Taken from 1 Peter Bible Study Leader's Guide Finding Encouragement In Troubling Times

A mother was arrested because she protested the arrest of her bishop. Her five year old daughter, Siao-Mei, was put in her cell with her. When her daughter wept, other prisoners rebuked the mother and the prison director encouraged the mother to renounce Christ so she and her child could go free. In despair, the mother agreed. She was forced to stand on a stage and shout before 10,000 people, "I am no longer a Christian."

On their way home, her daughter, said, "Mummy, today Jesus is not happy with you." The mother explained, "You wept in prison. I had to say this out of my love for you." The daughter replied, "I promise that if we go to prison again for Jesus I will not weep." The mother proclaimed her faith in Christ again, both were imprisoned, but this time Siao-Mei did not weep.

Eyewitness account by Amelio Crotti,
a fellow prisoner in China (1990)

Wow~ what a testimony of such a small child. I want to be as brave as Siao~Mei. This world did not accept my Saviour. They hated Him because He preached a different message. He lived a different life. I love my Jesus and I want to follow in His steps until one day I meet Him face to face. The truth is the only way to live as light in a dark world is by being filled with the Spirit each and every day ~ until we step over into Glory.

1 Peter 2:11-25

King James Version

¹¹Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
¹²Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
¹³Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
¹⁴Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
¹⁵For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
¹⁶As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
¹⁷Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
¹⁸Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
¹⁹For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
²⁰For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
²¹For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
²²Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
²³Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
²⁴Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
²⁵For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

What Happens When We Rejoice?

2012-01-27T08:46:00.001-06:00

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:

but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:13

King James Version (KJV)

A Scientist who studied the effects of humor on the human body reported laughter stimulates the brain to produce the alertness hormone called catecholamine. It means it contains epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. When these substances are released in the body it stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body's natural painkillers. As they drop so does our perception of pain. SO why the science lesson today? Simply put laughter causes the body to produce its own painkillers.

Grandma Carol with Alex and Jacob enjoying herself a bit too much.

I think it is really neat when scientist prove what God told us from the beginning of time. God prescribed a joyful heart as good medicine~ and scientist confirm that our body's natural painkillers are released when we laugh.

The command to rejoice in weaved through the entire Bible. It takes on a new meaning when we stop to consider what happens physiologically when we do rejoice.

Sometimes life has a way of knocking us down so hard it is just plain hard to get back up again. But we must dust ourselves off and get back up again. God means for us to experience joy and we find our joy in Him.

In the recent months after the death of my father ~ several hard issues hit at once and I lost my wind. After taking about a month of resting in my Saviour I am once again rejoicing. Grieving so many loses at one time had robbed me of my joy.

If you have lost your joy today know that God knows and sees all things and He loves you. King David had lost his joy once too~lest we get down on ourselves. We can do just what he did~ this prayer was mine and can be yours!

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalms 51:12

Our salvation is in Jesus and through Him we will one day be taken to everlasting eternity with the God of this entire universe. Now that is reason to rejoice today on this Fabulous Friday. But ~ before we get to lay down this earthy robe we must live our days on this earth. I want to live them in joy and in good health.

So how about it today~ why not have yourself a good laugh?

The remaining Shindorfs

Hannah and Jacob

Alex and Ashley

Little Boston

Jessica and her family~ missed the photo booth at Grandmas.

My kids~

Rejoicing~

Happy Thursday~ Blog Friends

2012-01-26T08:47:00.003-06:00

Click picture to join~

I am seeing... the sun coming up through the fog. It is going to be a warm day here at Farming On Faith. I am enjoying the majesty of the sun. SO thankful for a spring day in the middle of winter.

The chickens will be at their height in glory~ they will get to sunbathe for sure today.

I am hearing... Be still my soul ~ HE IS!

I am smelling... cinnamon bread.

I tasted... that cinnamon bread and a yummy grapefruit. I lost a pound and a half this week. Steady and slow wins the race. I am so determined! I know I can~ I know I can!

I am feeling... the need for God's help! We got some really terrible news last night from someone very special to us. Just left a really bad taste in my mouth for today. Please pray an unspoken prayer for her. Sin ~ kills and destroys. But there is hope in Christ.

Once again I turn and lay it at the feet of Jesus and rest in Him.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”

James 4:10 KJV

I pray you have a prosperous day~

Smiling~

2012-01-25T08:39:00.000-06:00

Psalm 5:11

King James Version (KJV)

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice:
let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them:
let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

It is important to know that whatever it is that threatens to crush your spirit~ and rob your joy today will not necessary be here tomorrow, next week or even next year. Life goes on~circumstances change. The sun will come up tomorrow.

This reminder is enough to bring a respite to the soul. From here perhaps a glimmer of light can peek through the darkness. We must never forget that God in His sovereign love and power~ holds our lives in His hands and works according to His will.

My security~ my hope~ my peace and my joy come from knowing that this true. God expects my participation in how that I perceive the events in my life. I decide if I am going to view my experiences in a positive or a negative lens.

If I choose to look at life through those negative glasses then my life will feel out of whack. I have a choice and so do you. I don't have to be down hearted ~ and sad when the sky appears dark. I have the option to smile ~chuckle~laugh~and look for joy in the dark places.

Today I am smiling~ I pray you are too!

Have a good and Godly day :)

Oh No The Ants Have Invaded ~ Picnik Is Closing!!!!

2012-01-24T21:09:00.001-06:00

Help~
I am down hearted and distraught. For the past three years I have used Picnik to make my headers, add text to photos and edit for my blog. I just discovered it is closing down in April. Do you have any photo editing sites online that you use and like? Please share ~it sure will make my day.

The Accidental Bride~ Book Review

2012-01-24T20:13:00.000-06:00

I seem to have brides on my mind lately~ I don't know why. This was such a fun book. I read it last weekend and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning Sunday night until I found out just how it was going to end.

Shay Bradenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on the ranch where she grew up. She does not have enough energy, time or money to keep things running and she is quickly going under. Bad luck just seems to follow her.The bank is getting ready to take her ranch. She is praying for a miracle.

It has many twist and turns and I could not figure out just what was going to happen next. She ends up at the Founder's Day wedding reenactment playing the bride to none other than her high school sweetheart who left her high and dry at the alter on their wedding.

You just have to read it to see what happens next. This book had me from the first line. I give this book a 5 star rating. It just seems to put a smile on your face.

This book was provided to me by Band B Media in exchange for my honest review.

An interview with Denise Hunter ~ the author of The Accidental Bride.

Author Denise Hunter explores the flaw in seeking favor with others

Do the opinions of those around us really matter? Should we live our lives based on what others might think? In her latest release,The Accidental Bride (Thomas Nelson), award-winning author Denise Hunter explores these questions as she deftly leads her readers to discover the One whose favor should always be sought. Skillfully creating a love story that beautifully reflects God’s grace, Hunter uses the pages of The Accidental Bride to bring to light preoccupation with caring what others think. Using complex characters, an enticing backdrop and an almost palpable range of emotion and conflict, Hunter draws her readers to a new awareness of how much more simple life becomes when we aim to please God instead of man.

The Accidental Bride

Denise Hunter

Thomas Nelson/January 3, 2012

ISBN 978-1-59554-802-3

304 pages/trade paper/$15.99

www.ThomasNelson.com

www.DeniseHunterbooks.com

In the interview below, Denise Hunter shares more about her latest release.

Q: In The Accidental Bride, your main character, Shay is continually concerned with what others might think. Worrying about the opinions of others is a common malady in today’s society. What made you decide to write about it?

As you say, it’s so common to be worried about what others think of us. I love that quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, “You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” So true! Shay needed to realize that it’s God’s opinion that really matters. When we focus on pleasing people, we tend to make poor decisions.

Q: This isn’t your first novel based on the cowboy lifestyle. What drew you to this particular lifestyle as the backdrop for your writing?

I’m drawn to the rugged appeal of the cowboy lifestyle. Even though I live in a city, I’m a country girl at heart, and I especially love the mountains; that’s why I was drawn to Montana for this series. There’s something simple and beautiful about living off the land that I think appeals to readers right now. Things are tough for so many people—and though the cowboy lifestyle is a hard one—it’s also very organic, a back to our roots kind of thing.

Q: The premise of The Accidental Bride is both interesting and unique. What inspired your decision to involve your hero and heroine in an “accidental” marriage?

I was watching a TV movie in which the actors were getting married, and I wondered, “What if the actor playing the preacher was an ordained minister? Would the couple be legally married?” Turns out, it’s not quite that simple to become accidentally married. There’s the matter of a marriage license that the pastor has to sign and mail to the proper government agency. So the good news is, it’s not likely to happen to you or anyone you know. But it sure was fun instigating such an event in a novel!

Q: Before she could forgive him, Travis had to rebuild Shay’s trust. Is this a necessary step, or do you believe we should forgive even those who may never be trustworthy again?

Trust and forgiveness are two different things. Forgiveness is something God commands us to do—regardless of circumstances like whether or not the offender is apologetic or has changed, etc.

Trust is different; it’s earned. And unfortunately, it takes a long time to build trust and only one bad decision to wreck it. We forgive the offender, but if he or she doesn’t change, we aren’t required to trust the person again. It’s the offender’s responsibility—if he or she wants to be trusted again—to earn back that trust.

Q: As an award-winning romance novelist you are, no-doubt, a role model for many would-be writers. What advice would you give to those who dream of one day being published? What’s an absolute must for a great romance?

First of all, I recommend aspiring writers to study and practice. Writing is a craft to be honed, and no matter how much natural talent you have, it takes both of those things to become a good writer.
Also, write the book you want to read. If you want to read that kind of book, there will be others who want to read it too.
Study the market, not so that you can jump on every trend, but so that you know how your story fits into the market.
Join a writers group so you can meet other writers—iron sharpens iron.
Once you have a marketable manuscript, go to conferences. The American Christian Writers Conference is the best out there in my opinion (www.acfw.com). At conferences, you will learn from some of the best in the industry and get a chance to pitch your work to agents and editors.
E-publishing is becoming huge, but don’t put a sub-par manuscript out there where it will only flounder. Hone the craft, write the best story you can, and learn to re-write. Then hire an editor. Every published author has one for a reason!
Getting published can be a long, uphill climb, but persistence pays off.

1 Peter Bible Study~ Week Three

2012-01-24T20:12:00.001-06:00

Rejoice That You Rock~

In this week's study in 1 Peter we see that no matter what others may tell us or what we may have believed we are living stones in Christ that are connected to The Living Stone. That is really amazing. Just as I wrote about in my devotion this morning we all come with some baggage.

I have been a stay at home mom~ homeschooling my children for 21 years. At times I felt unimportant. I mean cleaning toilets, doing dishes and covering our kitchen table with school books seemed unimportant many days. It sure did not bring home a pay check. Yet~ I knew this was my ministry that God had called me to do. This ministry is coming to an end very quickly and I can honestly say I would not have missed it for the world. Bittersweet! I am now convinced that God will have a new ministry and a new calling for my life. I am excited to see what he has in store for the next chapter.

In Christ ~ I am a daughter of the King. It says I am a royal priest, a chosen one, part of a holy nation, and a living stone in God's wonderful spiritual house.

Peter addresses this letter to all the New Testament ~ so that includes little ol' me.
We have direct access to God. I am chosen~ set apart and created for His purpose. Now that is something to celebrate.

Through this study I am reminded that my past no longer has power over me. And neither does yours. In Christ I can overcome.

1 Peter 2:4-10

King James Version (KJV)

⁴To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
⁵Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
⁶Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
⁷Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
⁸And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
⁹But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
¹⁰Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Speaking From My Heart Today~

2012-01-24T09:07:00.000-06:00

Psalm 71:20

King James Version (KJV)

²⁰Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

Every family has both beauty ~ and unfortunately baggage. Think about what blessings or curses your lineage passed down to you. What family troubles have you seen?

Last night at our monthly Ladies' Meeting~ my old Pastor's wife spoke. (She was my Pastor's wife for 38 years~what a blessing.) She spoke on Woman Power~ the first lady~ Eve. Eve did not know by taking things into her own hands~ influencing her husband~ that she would see her first born son murdered. She lost both her sons ~one to death~ the other had to flee for his life~never to return. We never see where she laid her eyes on him again. What a broken heart the first mother must have had. She lost so much and so have we. Even the first family had baggage.

My own family has been the same. I was a child of a messy divorce. I am a child of an alcoholic and addict. Yet I am the beneficiary ~ of a family whom met Jesus ~ and He has performed miracles of restoration. Beyond what I can type upon this page.
On my mother's side~in their brokenness~ they saw the need to place their trust in Jesus. Upon my father's side many struggled with addiction~ some placed their trust in Jesus but all faced an early grave. Needless to say I love them all dearly. They were/are human but they are my family.

We spend the first part of our lives struggling to deal with our negative heritage~ and now in the second half of life~ I see we spend the rest of our life trying to undo the things we enacted as a response to who we are and where we came from.

When we choose to live in a state of regret and unforgiveness for those who have done these things to us but that is not living the "abundant" life. I wish I could take back some of the things I spouted off to my parents and my parents-in-law. In my arrogance of thinking I had it all figured out I crushed them so many times with my prideful words. "I would do this game of life much better." Each time I am reminded of a foolish statement ~ I apologize again. God forgive me!

Unfinished business at the end of our lives will be passed along to those that follow behind us. That is history repeating itself~ as my grandma so wisely stated a million and one times.

In the Old Testament~ we read that families could be "cursed" generation after generation for doing evil and lacking favor with God. May we never forget that God is the same yesterday~today~ and forever. Yet~ it took only one person to break a family curse and start living anew with God's blessing. On- the- other hand it only took one to come along and lose favor with God to influence others for evil. I see the heartache and horror that the demon in the bottle can bring to a family~ therefore ~ I choose not to take a drink. Who is to say that we can trust all that follow behind to be able to stop at one drink? Why gamble on such a foolish thing?~ I don't want to be a reason for any to stumble over me.

In 2 Kings 23:37~ we read of a man who "did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father had done." Alternately ~ we also see a man who" did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father, not turning to the right or the left" ( 2 Kings 2:22) The result were not the same~ I challenge you to study it.

I am thankful that according to Scriptures ~ when we receive Christ as our Saviour ~ we are born into a new family~ God's family. It is clear that we are captives to our linage here~ but we can be "agents of change." I say that very humbly~ only with Christ working through us can true change unfold.

My father died last Autumn. There were no unspoken words between us. My father had received Christ as his Saviour but could never overcome his addiction. This will forever break my heart. Because of the nightmare I seen played out before my eyes as a child I ran to Jesus and He picked me up and set my feet on a solid rock. My dad said to me every time we had a serious talk, "Carrie Sue~ you have it figured out. You are going the right way." I would explain that I had nothing figured out just that if I walked as close to Jesus as I could ~He would walk with me as close as He could. I decided early that I would follow Jesus.

Where I came from ~ I can't change and to be honest with you ~ I don't want to. I love my parents and know they did the very best they could. I would not trade them for anything~ nor would I change who I am and where I came from. God does not make mistakes! Praise God for grace~ we all are going to need much grace before they place us in that wooden box.

But where I am going is up to me. I can choose to focus on the problems from my past or the consequences of those that have come before me ~ but I choose to set my own path straight~ to do more than that. I choose to understand and forgive the sins of my "fathers." I have made peace with them and that brings the greatest peace of all. One day I pray that my children will do the same for me too! You see we try our very best to do the best we can with what we have to do.

I can choose to seek God in all that I do and ask HIs blessings upon my life ~ on my children's lives~ and all that will come after me.

Lord~
Life is but a vapor and soon it will be over~ help me to understand the people who came before me~ and who I am today as a result. I choose to let go of the things which hold me back~ and search for the beauty in my family inheritance. Thank you for my parents and all they have taught me. Thank you for making me~ me. Please use me to be a blessing in the lives of my family tree.
In Jesus' Name~ Amen

Hannah's Wedding Plans~

2012-01-23T22:09:00.000-06:00

Today my Hannah and I went to the Wyeth-Tootle mansion to draw out floor plans for her wedding. I remember touring this museum when I was a school girl. Back then it seemed huge. As we went from room to room figuring out where the cake table should go~ how the food will be displayed~ where we wanted to decorate and what we still needed to do~ I couldn't help but remember all the field trip tours. In the end we decided the historical building stands on its own~not much decorating will need to be done.

Caleb toured the entire museum and was impressed. The guest will be able to tour the entire three floors which actually contain some of Jesse James' belongings. It even has a children's room for the smaller guest.

It was fun planning out her special day. Bittersweet~ how in the world has time slipped away so fast. In my heart I still feel like that little girl viewing the building through my childhood eyes~ and now I am marrying my baby daughter. I am so excited for her and Jacob but I am sure going to miss my gypsy girl. She truly has been a ball of sunshine in our home all these years.

I have been asked to share wedding details and I will after the wedding. It will be a small wedding with immediate family only. The reception will also be here at the mansion which will be a catered dinner of roast beef. I am seeing yellow in my sleep but that is pretty okay since it is my favorite color. The building is very historical and vintage. My Hannah has chosen all the things I truly love~ imagine that!

Here is the link to visit the history of the Wyeth~Tootle mansion. Hope you enjoy your visit~ click here.

Happy Beautiful Monday~

2012-01-23T08:58:00.000-06:00

Ecclesiastes 3:11

King James Version (KJV)

¹¹He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Nineteenth century theologian Charles Finney said, "A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart."

Wow~ what a challenge for each and every day.

Are you like me? Do you acknowledge that God is truly in everything but struggle to see God's hand in everything that is happening right now, in your so daily life?

What are you dealing with in life today that you don't really remember signing up for?

Life's harsh realities that intrude our lives can make it hard to recognize the fact that our God is always present.

I am so thankful for the times when on this spiritual journey God makes it very evident that He has been faithful at cultivating my heart. During those times when things don't go as planned yet I see that God is still in control in everything that is happening in my life. Now that is a reason to celebrate.

Often we see God's working is in the little things~ that is grace~ that is a gift. On this Monday morning~ let's choose to see God in everything with a thankful heart.

Happy Lord's Day~

2012-01-22T07:44:00.002-06:00

Psalm 23:6

(KJV)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Happy Lord's Day~

We are warming up here today at Farming on Faith~ woo hoo!

I am excited to hear from the Lord this morning. The roast is in the crockpot and I am heading off to church. It has been a good week~ God has been good ~ God has been faithful~ God has answered prayers.

I had the best time celebrating with our Keaton and Josilyn~so much fun.

Here is our gypsy girl and her guy~ we still working on wedding plans.

It is getting closer.

I am going to miss this girl~