Russ-Stick Acres

Can I Get A Witness?

2012-01-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

God is so good.

I'm so grateful he provides us with daily beauty to grace our lives.

Can I get a witness?

Amen!

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Thankful

2012-01-15T22:17:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for many things.

The recent snowfall.

Our tour guests.

Our gentle dogs.

Did I say gentle?

And thankful for brothers {in-law} who love to help in the chores.

Thankful for my hubby's good care of each and every dog.

And truth be known...even the dogs are thankful.

And tell us daily.

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."
1 Chronicles 16:34

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Winter is Truly Upon Us

2012-01-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

After receiving 8 fluffy inches of beautiful white powder yesterday,

winter is indeed,

truly upon us.

One {1} degree this morning and tour folks scheduled.

Are we happy?

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

January Visitor

2012-01-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

For the last week, we have been anticipating the arrival of "brother, Mike".

It's always fun to have him visit.

He loves to talk, eat, and chug coffee.

Usually, we put him to work, as a CCW instructor for our training session.

But not this time.

This was a trip based on relaxation.

He's only been here a little more than 24 hours,

but I can honestly say it feels like a vacation for us.

Russ has someone to walk along side, and chat with, while doing chores.

And between chores it is lots and lots of coffee, good eats and chatter.

Just the way you expect a lazy winter day to be like.

And the best part of all, is...I get to see the love of brothers in action.

It's a bond that can not be broken.

Or even choked out of you...{smile}

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Diary of a Bible

2012-01-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

My son, Charlie, is the narrator of this short film,

Diary of a Bible.

It is one of the many films put out by

The Veracity Project,

founded by Bub Kuns and my son, Charlie Matz

You will need to turn off the soothing music to the right.

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Hans - A Furry Farewell

2012-01-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

If you've been to our sled dog kennel, you've met Hans.

He was one of the "big boys", always happy to see folks.

Whether doing a fun run with a tour guest or family,

or leading Russ into the finish line of the 2003 Midnight Run,

Hans did it with gusto!

Often times, stopping to "water" trees along the way.

That was our Hans.

Years ago, we were so impressed with Hans' father,
Kiwi,
we knew we had to add Hans to our kennel and join his "daddy",
who we had purchased months before.

So we made a trip up to the U.P., Michigan's Upper Peninsula,
to Iditarod musher, Al Hardman's, cabin to retrieve Hans.

As we picked up Hans,
Al and other local mushers were heading out on a 100-mile 2-day run.

.
After saying goodbye, we loaded up Hans in the cab of our truck and headed home.

Smiles on our faces.

Especially on Hans' mug,
after we introduced him to "fast food" upon crossing the Mighty Mac.

Home.

We knew he was to stay with us forever.

The big guy captured our heart, just as his father, Kiwi had done, upon his arrival.

The last half of his life, Hans battled illness.

It began with vet visits, films sent to MSU, and many discussions, with many vets.

In the end, it was diagnosed that Asthma was the culprit.

So from that point on, each month, we gave him an injection for his Asthma.

After a day or so, he would proudly bark, loud and clear,
showing us his strength from within.

It never kept him off the trail.

He actually did better on the trail.

But as the end of the year was coming to a close, so was Hans.

This Christmas Eve, at 3:55 p.m., Hans quietly slipped away.

We knew it was coming.
He knew it was coming.

He had stopped eating, and was sleeping and resting most of the day.

He died as he had lived.

With dignity, respect, and very loved.

It wasn't Asthma that took him, but a long life.

Thirteen years on the trail.

The trail of adventure.

We will miss you Hansey Boy.

Your buddies miss you.

You and those big feet of yours left a void in our kennel, and in our hearts.

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Another Day at the Office

2011-12-31T20:46:00.000-08:00

Today is an anniversary.

One year ago, on this day, I left an office job.

Retired with the State of Michigan.

Upon doing so, I have experienced a freedom unlike any other.

And now, my "day at the office" is like this...

Meeting Russ at the bonfire before our dogsledding tour guests arrive.

The trail to my daily job, on our 40 acres.

My very hardworking cohorts.

Job satisfaction.

And daily perseverance.

Not only do I recognize and celebrate my anniversary of freedom,
but tomorrow,
on New Year's Day,
I celebrate 9 years being married to my best friend.

Happy Anniversary Russ

None of us on this 40 acres could imagine a life without you.

Happy 2012, dear friends. God willing.

Winter is in Full Swing

2011-12-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

Today has been very special.

First, our dogsledding tours began today.

Click here...to see.

Second, we have overnight guests staying at our Bear's Den cabin.

It's always exciting to read their journal entries upon their departure.

Inspiration comes easy without electricity and running water.

Poets are born.

Photo taken in previous year.

This overnight couple will be our 2nd tour of the week.

The dogs are happy to get the "show on the road".

As are we...

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Contentment

2011-12-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

Contentment.

Do you have it?

Or do you always feel like jumping the fence?

Flying the coop?

Or are you truly content with your surroundings?

Years ago, I was restless.

I was on a quest...searching.

Never finding.

But now...

I have found peace.

How about you...?

Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail

2011-12-27T21:20:00.000-08:00

Our rabbits are very structured.

As evidenced by their trails.

Boy, if only they used the same trails as our sled dogs.

We could really have everyone working together for the greater good.

But right now, our rabbits have one thing in mind...

to get to the chickens.

Why? You ask?

Good eats!

And yes, they share...

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Rent - A - Kitty

2011-12-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

I think I'm on to something!

Yesterday, Russ and I went out to our Bear's Den cabin in the woods.

We are expecting a young, adventurous couple this weekend
who are incorporating a night's stay with their dogsled ride.
They will stay at the Bear's Den.

In an effort to make sure they are completely comfortable
(as comfortable as one can get in the winter, in a rustic cabin),
we decided to bring the kitties along for mouse patrol for the day,
to make sure we are "rodent free".

So, Mama Kitty (Naomi)
and Baby Kitty (Ruth)
went for a sled ride.
(Complete with litter box.)

They seemed to enjoy the walk, as we headed down the snowy road to our "back 40".
A change of venue is good for everyone now and then.

And,
at the end of the day,
upon returning home,
you can see the excitement they created.

Hmmm...rent-a-kitty.
A day of mouse patrol.
What would a person charge for that service, I wonder?

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

My First Ride

2011-12-26T18:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve, Russ hooked up dogs to his new sled.

He wanted to make sure it worked well, before we added more dogs...and me.

So today, the day after Christmas, I took the helm and away we went.

I was a tad nervous, but it went well.

Both me, and the dogs...had smiles.

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Winter Welcome!

2011-12-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

A couple years ago on Christmas Eve,
Russ greeted our friends,
the Weldon Family,
(who were coming for dog sled rides...)
with his artistic endeavors,
showcased in the snow banks.

It was their first time visiting our place, and Russ didn't want them to miss the turn off!

This year, we don't have enough snow for such displays of artistic talent.

No snow plows on site yet.

But it's coming!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all~!

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

A Savior is Born

2011-12-24T21:32:00.000-08:00

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were filled with fear.

And the angel said to them,

“Fear not, for behold,

I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be a sign for you:

you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."

Luke 2:9-12

Merry Christmas from Russ and Sherry at

Russ-Stick Acres...

Our New Wheels (...er... Sled!)

2011-12-22T22:02:00.000-08:00

Daisy, Daisy...

(Let's all sing...)

But you'll look sweet up on the seat
Of a dog sled that's built for two~!

It's done!

Russ made a new sled!

And it's built for two!

Earlier this week,
Russ came up to the Wee House and showed me the completed sled,
while I was there, working in my "office".

He let it slide down the drive by our Wee House, showing me its "glide".

Notice the drag brake on the rear?

Well, recycling Russ used an old swing from a school yard swing set.

Russ loves to maneuver a sled.

The horses were snorting, flying about, stomping.

Those of you who know Raz, know that nothing ever gets him excited.

But the sound of the new runners obviously did.

So Russ dragged the new sled up to show him.

And his buddy Nauish.

Our black Mustang.

But first, we took a good look at our new mode of transportation.

I'll be at the front.

Russ will take up the rear.

A trip to town is in order.

It's been 3 weeks since I've stepped foot off our "40"... and oh, how I have loved it.

But first, we just need to...

...hook up the dogs!!

Note: This photo was not taken this winter.

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Stopping by The Woods

2011-12-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

...on a snowy evening, with Mr. Robert Frost ~ 1923

{American farmer/philosopher/poet}

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Until tomorrow, dear friends.
May all your travels be snowy ~ God willing.

Are You in The World?

2011-12-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

Which is it for you?

What is your path?

Are you in the world?

Or out?

There's no in-between.

1 John 2:15-17 tells us this.

Do not love the world

or the things in the world.

If anyone loves the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world—

the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—

is not from the Father

but is from the world.

And the world is passing away along with its desires,

but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

As for us, we have tried very hard to not be "in the world".

We have taken steps over the years to be on the right track.

No TV.

Haven't been to a movie in a decade.

Make every attempt to steer clear of negative thoughts.
(Yes, you can make them disappear,

if you ask in the name of Jesus,

with humility and grace.)

Do we fail?

Yes. Daily.

Hourly.

By the minute.

Sure, sometimes you get lured in to the world and its glitter.

But upon reflection, you will note it is a way to keep you off track...keep you from the prize.

Sadly, some folks may spend their entire lives trying to live up to the world's standards.

Searching, looking, not feeling adequate.

Like they can't measure up.

And then, more searching.

Sometimes, frantically searching.

With no clear path before you...

Just know the answer is right under your nose.

Jesus.

JESUS

Don't get sucked into the trap, my friends.

Especially this holiday season.

Remember...

Less is more.

Handmade is best.

Just spending time with your loved ones, sharing food, is sufficient.

And most of all, keep Jesus first.

If He hasn't been, start now.

It isn't too late.

As long as you are on this earth, it isn't too late.

Start now, this Christmas season.

Scale back.

Quietly step back away from the world.

Focus on Jesus.

The light of the world.

You'll have to turn off the soothing music to your right, to hear this amazing rendition.

Until tomorrow, dear friends.

As the Deer Panteth

2011-12-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

Deer season (rifle) in Michigan came to a close the last day of November.

Deer season to us, doesn't mean going out on our property and bagging a big one.

Our trail cam this fall, on our back 40.

Rather, it means a window period of time,
where we can procure meat for our sled dogs to last the entire winter.

It actually begins with bow season,
crescendos with the rifle season,
and flows into the first days of December,
after all the deer have been processed.

For years, we have been obtaining our venison scraps from two local sources.
This year, we added a third.
An Amish source.

It was wonderful meeting and growing a friendship with the butcher shop owner,
along with all the family and Amish neighbors within.

I spent many, many days traveling to get meat.
The work is tough at times, hauling and hoisting heavy bags into the back of the truck,
but brings such a sense of satisfaction upon arriving home with the truck laden with the raw,
red, juicy scraps and bones.
Sometimes we even had pork, beef, lamb, moose, etc.
We were so blessed, we were fortunate to share with other mushers too.

Sometimes the trips could be downright adventurous.
Thanksgiving day, I had an idea.

I ended up going north, to my home town,
for a fancy restaurant dinner with my small family.

It was very nice…at the Perry Hotel across from Lake Michigan.

Before I went to Petoskey,

I thought I would be smart and combine my dinner,

with a pick up of meat.

So I set it up to pick up deer meat (venison) for the sled dogs,

with the place that we get it from every year.

So, after the day was done…which was an awesome dinner,

visiting with our small family at my mother’s beautiful home,

I left for Mancelona, planning to stop for meat on the way.

I arrived at the spot when it was pitch dark.

I pulled into the back of the store. I was told the meat would be in bags (which always seem to rip) in a trailer. I thought I would be there in the daylight so I didn’t bring a light. So I did the next best thing…I shined the truck lights on the trailer and then had to lift the bags out, and then go around the back of the truck (in the dark) and sling the bags into the bed of the truck. Heavy bags. Our tailgate doesn’t go down any more so you REALLY have to sling the meat up high and then let it fall in the truck. Well, this stuff was heavy, and even though I was wearing work gloves (I did remember those…) I was getting blood all over my fancy jacket I wore to dinner. It was soaked in blood on the arms. And then a couple bags later, I got it on my pants. And then my boots. You just can’t help it, because the bags are all on top of each other, mixed in with the deer carcass. If you are not a person who is used to this type of stuff, it might be difficult. But I don’t care. I didn’t even mind it being on my jacket, because it blended in….

I did this a couple times, and then I turned off the truck, but left the lights on.

BIG MISTAKE…

Once done, I got in the truck, went to turn it on and NOTHING.

Just a clicking noise. Rats!

So here I am, blood on my jacket, pants and boots.

I didn’t have a cell phone because...I don't like cell phones…and don’t usually carry one.

So I realized I would be taking a walk to find someone to help me.

I walked around the front of the store, by the road and saw nothing.

The little lakeside village was very quiet.
And dark.

I knew I would have to walk a little distance and knock on someone’s door

and interrupt them.

Possibly interrupt them from their Thanksgiving dinner!!

So I went into my 911 mode.

I went back to the truck, bowed my head, and prayed:

Dear Heavenly Father.

I realize this may be what you want me to do tonight.

There may be someone in one of those houses that you want me to meet tonight.

So if it is your will, I will go out into the dark, and knock on a door.

But if not, please help me to get home with my vehicle, and let it start once again.

In Jesus name we pray…Amen.

Amazing…I didn’t even get the Amen out of my mouth (yes, I prayed out loud).

And I saw lights from a larger-sized truck swing into the store parking lot and come up right behind my truck. I didn’t know who it was (by seeing) but I knew who it was (by instinct).

It was my younger brother, Craig!!

He just SHOWED UP.

It was truly a miracle!

I had mentioned at dinner, many hours before,

that I was going to be stopping near his house to get meat at the lakeside General Store.

And he picked THAT time, right when I prayed, to show up!! God is good!

I ended up jumping in with Craig, and their little Cocker Spaniel, Lola,

and went back to his house to get the jumper cables,

and return to the store to start my truck.

It started right up, I thanked Craig

(and more importantly God, for answering my prayer)

and I was on my way home.

So I don’t know who had the better Thanksgiving…

Russ... who had stayed home and played Santa at a local family gathering?

Or me, who was covered in blood (there's POWER in the blood...),

willing to walk a distance and knock on a door,

only to have a miracle happen instead.

That was a good segue into the end of this year's meat runs.
As it was, I had one more trip to eek out, for the final haul, when our truck died.
See previous post, click here.

But all in all, the timing was actually perfect for us, as our Russ-Stick plan of
horse and dog power comes into effect.

And it is time to slow down...and stop, reflect and thank God from whom all blessings flow.

Please turn off soothing music to your right to hear this beautiful hymn...

As the Deer Panteth.

Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.

Our Russ-Stick Plan (...revisited)

2011-12-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

We have been kicking around a plan for quite some time now.

It's not a "green" plan, per se.

It's our plan.

It's about using horse power to get where we want to go.

The kind of horse power that comes with a tail.

And dog power.

Either/or.

In sync with nature.

Depending on the season.

Our good farm friends, Pat and Deb, with their beautiful horses.

Sure, it may take a little longer.

Good things usually do.

And there may be times we need to lean on the support of family and good friends
~ and pay for a special trip ~
just like the Amish.

But it won't be often.

Truth be told, everything we need is right here.

On "our 40".

At Russ-Stick Acres.

So, come along for the ride, and watch us plan to go backwards in time.

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

NOTE: This post was originally posted on 9/20/2009.

This past Saturday, the Good Lord nudged us...
as our truck was rendered undriveable.
(No accident...just wear and tear took its toll.)

Since then, only two days later, amazing blessings have been poured forth upon us.
We love being weak, so that we look to Him for our strength.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

God is SO GOOD.
Count it all Joy!!

Stay tuned...as we continue this adventure.

God's in the Kitchen...with David Ring

2011-12-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

This needs no introduction.

Just watch...and be moved.

You'll need to turn off the soothing music to your right to hear David's powerful story.

And then...the celebration.

(I'm thinking of my friend Terri...)

Until tomorrow dear friends...God willing. What a day!

My Inner Gypsy

2011-12-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

A little while ago, not sure just when, I fell in love with the Gypsy Vanner.

And wouldn't you know it, one showed up for sale in our neck of the woods.

The lack of funding on our part put a halt to the process.

Although we did list our tractor to see if we could add a couple horses to our mix.

No sale, yet.

Plus, we like geldings.

BUT...take a look.

You won't believe what this gal does.

Yup, there's an umbrella test. Watch Molly's tail and back leg. Such control.

Enjoy! Horse, rider and music!

You will need to turn off the soothing music to your right, to hear Coldplay's Viva la Vida.

Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.

Do You See What I See

2011-11-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.

Welcome Winter Guests

2011-11-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

I love the little Chickadees.

Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.

OH, and don't forget to listen to Terri
from
Our Crazy Farm
tonight...
click here for details!

Let Jesus Take the Wheel

2011-11-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

There’s times in your life when things feel pretty bleak.

You feel like you just can’t take one more step.

You feel like there is no way out.

Your life feels like a whirling dervish ~ spinning out of control.

Why not look up...

Know that no matter how dark your darkest hour gets, there is always light shining on you.

The light of Jesus...if you let Him.

For He will reach out to you and cup your hand in His.

He is there, day or night.

He will hear a whisper, a thought, a tearful plea.

Like any father, He only wants what is best for you.

Photo of son, Charlie, and new granddaughter, Evie Marie.

Photograph by Ian Royal Nelson.

And He will do anything within His power to make your pain go away.

Trust in Him.

Pray in His name.

The name of JESUS...

He is all powerful and can do all things.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Romans 12:12

Know this and believe…

And believe in a better day.

It will come.

Like the full moon, which comes on a cycle, so shall your happiness.

Ask for it.

Wait for it.

Embrace it.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1

Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.

Equine and Canine

2011-11-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Zip isn't allowed in with our horses, for obvious reasons.

But most of all, because she would rather work than play.

However, here's a dog, Lucy, who has a unique relationship with a stallion.

NOTE: Not our video folks...just found it on YouTube.

Take a watch...it will make your day go better. Guaranteed to bring a smile.

Notice the dog starts out standing in the water container.

Please turn off the soothing music to your right, so you can hear the nuances of this film.

Perhaps next time the ball is in play, we'll let Zip join in...

Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.