Russ-Stick Acres

Symbiotic Relationship

2013-05-23T14:33:00.003-07:00

Are you going to eat it... or look at it?

It's Almost Time...

2013-05-21T13:55:00.002-07:00

Planting next week...Lord willing.

Until then, dear friends.

Sherry

It's Time...

2013-05-17T12:01:00.001-07:00

I remember what it was like to punch a time clock.

However, now that I'm officially "retired"...my days look a bit like this.

Have a wonderful weekend, folks.

Until next time, Lord willing.

Sherry

Help Me Find It

2013-05-16T11:49:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I talked about "wanderlust".

However, truthfully, I've found that sometimes it's just the "flesh" calling out.

And I know those days I have to be "putting on Jesus"...

Romans 13:14

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,

and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

If this is a new concept to you, perhaps this will help.

{You won't be sorry you took a minute or two to soak this in...}

"...If I need to be still, give me peace for the moment."

Until tomorrow, dear friends. Lord willing.

Sherry

Wanderlust

2013-05-15T12:56:00.004-07:00

I've got it.

Thoughts of travel...

burn in my soul.

But for now, I'll stick to home.

And enjoy the sweet days of summer.

Until next time, dear friends. Lord willing.

Sherry

365

2013-05-11T08:22:00.002-07:00

I don't take much stock in Mother's Day.

Truth is, every day is a mother's day for me, with my two amazing sons.

My family man, who puts God first, son Charlie.

My younger son, Mark, who loves the Lord, and life itself.

Yes, I am truly blessed. 365 days a year.

Until next time, dear friends. Lord willing.

{And happy Mother's Day to all.}

Sherry

My Two Loves

2013-05-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Blue-eyed Russ and brown-eyed Zip.

Until next time, dear friends. Lord willing.

Sherry

Branding

2013-04-30T14:36:00.003-07:00

Truth is, we are downsizing.

We pulled our website...and my "original" blog on WordPress...and an email.

Slowly, we are backing out of the big {scary} world and retreating into our small corner of 40 acres.

However, I never knew it could be so complicated to "undue" what you have done.

Sadly, when I took our website down, it pulled information from all over the WWW, erasing photos, creating lapses in posts on the Internet. And for someone who likes to see things run smooth, it's been a tough go. {And a lot of work.}

But in the long run, it will be better. Less clutter...

Isn't that what Spring cleaning is all about?

Until next time, dear friends. Lord willing.

Sherry

Jenga Cabin

2013-04-12T14:48:00.003-07:00

Here in northern lower Michigan, I’m waiting for spring to emerge. Schools were closed this week for a snow day. I, for one, am ready to move on. We had a busy, wonderful season of providing dog sled tours and now swing into spring clean up around the farm.

This year, we are going one step further and working on our main cabin, which I warmly refer to as my “Jenga Cabin”. (I move, and something falls.)

Winters are longer in a 15 x 20 cabin where leg room is at a premium.

This spring, we will be moving out, while changes are taking place. Two summers ago, we tried to move back to our Bear’s Den cabin, but it didn’t work out. We found we were too far from the critters. If not for that, I would have stayed. I wrote this after a couple nights “out back”.

As I sat in a camp chair on our tiny cabin porch last night, I reflected on our first couple of nights “off grid”. With the business of summer days rolling into nights, we have basically headed back to the Bear’s Den to crash and sleep. However, sleep seems to be the last thing that occurs while there. For me anyway.

As I sat last night, inside the porch, near the screen door, Zip was by my feet, her head just inches from the door. It was dusk and darkness was closing in. Earlier, as I walked into the woods, the birds were singing and pats (partridges) were flying up as I neared their nook, but now, it was dead silence except for the gentle snoring of Russ deeper inside the cabin.

As darkness overcame dusk, the fireflies began their syncopated dance among the trees. In the distance, I could hear the yipping of a coyote and a neighbor dog, a mile or so away on the wind. {Our kennel dogs were silent.} While watching the fireflies burst their light and darken, I thought to myself…is that me? Am I like a firefly, bursting with the light of Jesus for some to see at times, and then fade out quickly? Saved by faith and grace, bold for Christ... but only in short staccato bursts?

As the tiny candle was blown out for the night, and the cabin was immersed in total darkness, my thoughts began. Laying on my sleeping bag, in complete darkness I thought I must let my light shine. However, it isn’t anything I, myself, can accomplish. As I die to myself, Christ will fill me and I will become a cracked pot, with light shining through… I hope so, for if I can alter one person, just one, who is gambling with this gift of faith and grace, I can help save them from eternal darkness and being separate from God.

Until next time, dear friends, Lord willing.

Sherry

Falling Plates

2013-04-06T08:48:00.004-07:00

Unique, must see video.

About the love of Jesus!

Until next time, dear friends, Lord willing.

Sherry

A Venture Beyond the Farm

2013-03-22T14:48:00.001-07:00

For you regular readers of my Blog,

you'll probably recognize my

Christian farm friend, (click on link)

Homemaker Ang

in this week's ABC show

"Wife Swap". (click on link)

Check it out, and let me know what you think.

Until next time, dear friends, Lord willing.

Sherry

March Madness

2013-03-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

Is it Spring yet?

Soon...

And that's something to smile about!

I hope you are having fun planning gardens, outings, and such.

I'm doing the same, although we are still running our sled dogs, and getting ready to tap trees.

I'm excited to travel this coming weekend, Lord willing, to see my Amish friends.

I hope to see what you are up to, also!

P.S. The Iditarod is in full swing.
Check out this amazing promo by 2012 Champion, Dallas Seavey.
Be sure you check out the thermometer reading.
Brrrrrrrrr

Blessings to you, dear friends.

Sherry

Segue from Sledding to Sap

2013-02-22T14:38:00.003-08:00

I've missed my Blogger friends. Truth is, I've done very little in the way of communicating, other than my snail mail and a weekly jump on emails, Facebook or Twitter. So let me catch up.

We are just coming off of a long {and busy} dogsledding season.

I've been doing little else but keeping our home fires burning, which some days is about all we can handle. Snow has been more than plentiful.

So hopefully, I'll peek out a tad more in the days to come.

Until then dear friends, Lord willing,

Sherry

Apology Tour

2013-01-14T12:51:00.002-08:00

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As I fried up a big breakfast this morning {red potatoes with onions, and scrambled home-laid eggs smothered with Cheddar and Feta cheese, dotted with green pepper, along with our home-grown bacon and fresh Amish-gifted wholewheat bread}, I smiled looking at the dozen or so frozen sled dog harnesses thawing over the woodstove in our 15 x 20 cabin. Yes, our life isn’t ordinary.

But it is good.

For years, upon the arrival of tour guests from literally all over the world, I would shrink and raise a pointed finger with hesitation when asked, “So, do you live near here?” to which I would point to our cabin, adjacent to the dog yard to the North. Then, as expected, I would hear “…Huh…really…?”

Upon hearing their response, I always felt I would have to bolster up my living situation, making it appear larger than it was. Yes, I fell victim to the ever present “apology tour”.

But something changed over the years. As the small cabin got older, I aged with wisdom. This was my home. But was it? My true home isn’t on this earth.

Now, when folks ask, as they always do…I say with pride “Yep, that’s our cabin over there.”

I still get the “…Huh…really…?” but I smile; for I know my treasures aren’t stored up on earth, they await me in heaven.

Matthew 6:20

"Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal."

Blessings to all, until next time, Lord willing ~

Sherry

P.S. We've been very busy with our dog sledding tour business since Christmas. However, I'll check in as much as possible, dear friends.

Beard Brigade

2012-12-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

Prayer on the Island

2012-12-11T11:07:00.001-08:00

Perhaps you noticed my Facebook Badge further down the right-hand side of my Blog page. For those who know me, you know I’ve struggled with this media phenom. I’ve written about it several times, on this Blog. And this past summer I deactivated my “Facebook page” for two months, feeling the need to walk away. Also, I wanted to see if I would miss it. Strangely enough, while I was “deactivated”, I didn’t. However, this story below, tells why I am now re-activated. See if you agree.

A year ago, in the Autumn months of northern lower Michigan, I headed to Mackinac Island with a good friend. We were excited to once again return to Win-Some Women, a Christian conference that has been in existence since the 1970’s. On a whim, the day before leaving, I posted on Facebook saying I would be happy to pray for anyone, while on the Island, if needed. Note, I stated I didn’t need to know their need. God knows. Having posted, I shut the computer off, and didn’t think any more about it, until I returned late that night to see if there were any requests. Upon checking my Facebook page, I gasped. I was steadily climbing to 100 requests, some did so with just a click of the “like” button, some with private messages, and even a phone message. I was stunned, to say the least. And now, what had begun as a whim, turned into a task. I grabbed a pen and wrote everyone’s name on my nearby steno pad. I also noted the specific prayer if they stated it. Ironically, many stated it in the public forum, feeling no shame or concern. While writing their names, which took me late into the night when I should have been packing, I was overcome with emotion. But little did I know, that emotion was to peak once I arrived on the Island.

Heading north to the Island, the thick wad of notebook pages tucked in my pant’s pocket, I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world with me. I had to do this right. People were counting on me.

I enjoyed the drive north, chatting and catching up with my friend, Lana, and once in Mackinaw City we parked and headed to the dock to board the boat. Once on board, we enjoyed sitting at the front, in the belly of the Ferry boat, as we crossed the straights in cool, windy October weather. Upon arriving, we took a carriage ride to the Grand Hotel. (No motorized vehicles are allowed on the Island.) We checked in and began attending the afternoon sessions. The conference was underway.

Between each session, I knew I had to complete my task, to pray for the folks listed. I also knew God would lead me to do it at the right time, so I wasn’t worried. So I waited. That evening, after a delicious dinner of many courses, my thoughts again turned to my “list”. As we walked past the appointed “Prayer Room”, I would look in, seeking solitude. With 1000+ women at the Hotel for the conference, I knew solitude may not be the easiest request.

I went to bed that night, looking at the “list” sitting on the dresser, knowing we would leave the Island the next afternoon, making way for the new group to come in. This particular conference is repeated in three sessions, many times “selling out” all three sessions. I drifted to sleep knowing I must accomplish this task. Again, knowing that people were counting on me.

The next morning, after another amazing Grand Hotel meal, I knew I had to act. We had two hours before the morning session began. I told my traveling partner, Lana, I was heading to the Prayer Room and would be praying for the folks. Upon arriving, I found the room empty. I took out the papers, unfolded them, and began to go down the list in prayer. It was then, I realized I needed someone to join me. The scripture about “…where two or more are gathered” kept going through my brain like a ticker tape. It was then I realized a woman from my childhood had walked in and was getting settled. Jane. I knew her as “Mrs. A”. She and her “dentist” husband raised their family about a block from where I grew up, in my hometown. I had actually babysat for their children once when I was in my early teens. Jane was also very involved in the church I attended while my children were growing up. She was always easy to spot, impeccably dressed in beautiful colors, that made her entire being shine. Now that I spotted her, I rose and hesitantly went over to where she was in the prayer room. You know, I don’t even remember what I said. I just know that she smiled her amazing smile (you know the kind…Jesus filled) and she led me to a table nearby. And then it began. We first began with a prayer. Then, the names.

I slowly read a name. Then another. And another. Tears flowed. I couldn’t stop. I was mumbling the names through a deep, sob-restrained voice. When I got to the bottom of the steno-lined page, Jane, with tears in her eyes, placed her hands on mine and knowing this was bigger than her or me, suggested we pray after each page. Upon doing so, I began reading the names again. Twenty names. We prayed. Another page. Tears flowed. Another page. Sobs were caught. Over an hour went by. And so it went, until every name had been spoken. And more prayer covered the process. Both Jane and I were overcome with emotion, and for me, exhaustion. The Holy Spirit was there. He was full, and enveloping, and all consuming. And comforting, for he IS the comforter.

Upon thanking Jane for being there, she suggested I leave the names in the prayer basket so the folks listed can also be prayed for throughout the next six months, as the conference leaders do each time. They would be prayed for until the conference next May. I released my burden, and left my “list”.

After sharing our story with other conference leaders who had entered the prayer room, I hugged Jane and left, looking back to my folded steno-pad papers sitting in the basket, lined with names scribbled late in the darkness several nights before, taken from my Facebook page. It was such a blessing to be able to deliver the requests. To bring them to light. Such an honor.

And the blessing was to begin, as the days following the event, turned into weeks. On Facebook, I could see the prayers coming true. Relationships were mended. Jobs were obtained. The list went on and on. I was seeing prayers come true before my very eyes. And I knew right then, that in all the 13+ years I had attended this conference, most years both spring and fall, this simple task of prayer made it the most important conference ever. The day there was prayer on the Island.

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Until next time, dear friends, Lord willing.

Sherry

Death of a Camera

2012-12-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, as spring rolled into summer, I was careless. I certainly didn’t mean to be. But I was. And now I have to live with the consequences.

It was a normal day here on the farm. By noon, I had found several delightful scenes I wanted to capture on camera. This was always the case with me. I am so inspired with various farm (and wild) animals that my first impulse is to grab my camera and capture it. This day was no different. But this day was to be the end. I leisurely hung my Nikon D80 on our handcrafted wooden swing near our outhouse, careful to have the long lens hang just so. I was always so careful with my camera, handling it like a newborn. However, upon my quick exit from the outhouse, the nearby goats caught my attention and led me away from my waiting camera. It wasn’t until later in the afternoon, when I went to take a photo of Russ working with our Mustang after a warm sudden rainstorm, that I realized I didn’t know where I had left it. I checked our cabin, then our truck. No, not there. Then the Wee House, which is near our outhouse. It was then I literally gasped with the realization of what I had done. Sure enough, my camera was still hanging, albeit wet.

After many attempts at drying it out, and a call to the Nikon company, I realized it was to no avail. My precious camera was no more.

The spring months moved into summer, and then fall, and now winter. I have been unable to capture my precious moments. Normally, I would shoot 100 or so shots per day, every day. Now, I must commit these scenes to memory.

It has been a lesson for me. However, I’ve also pondered the 2^nd Commandment: Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image. Do I put my camera and photos above my thoughts of Jesus? Perhaps going without this piece of equipment is a good test of where I stand.

Psalm 105:4 “Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face evermore.”

Thank you for visiting, dear friends. Until next time, Lord willing.

Sherry

Winter Woes

2012-12-05T13:15:00.001-08:00

The last week of snow brought a realization.

I’m done traveling for the winter.

Bottom line, I don’t like driving in snow.

Sounds odd, I know, for someone who lives a rustic life in northern lower Michigan.

But perhaps that is why.

I’ve had my share of white-knuckle trips.

Of bouncing off snowbanks.

But with that realization of being home bound, my heart is sad.

For my trips to visit my Amish friends are on hold until spring.

I’ll have to settle for my weekly letters.

And dream of spring visits.

Until next time, dear friends. Lord willing.

Sherry

P.S. I've finally, {yes, it has taken months} figured out how to do my Blog effectively (almost) from the local Library. I will be updating on a normal basis now. I can't wait to share more stories. See you soon...Lord willing.

Winter Welcome

2012-11-29T14:16:00.005-08:00

Winter is upon us...

Welcome.

Stay tuned for our snowy adventures.

Until then, Lord willing...

Sherry

Black Friday

2012-11-20T13:21:00.001-08:00

For us...the day after Thanksgiving is like any other.

No crowds.
No shopping.
No stores.

No malls.
No travel.

No early sales.
No gimmicks.
No gizmos.

No biting...

No aggressive behavior...

No pushing...or shoving.

No stampede...

For us, just a serene day at home.

We leave consumerism to the experts.

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Sherry

Runnin' Dogs

2012-11-08T14:00:00.003-08:00

In the coldness of Autumn, we run our dogs.

We combine training...

...conditioning...

and just experiencing the beauty of the season change.

I hope all of you are doing well,

as we head toward the middle of November.

Winter is almost upon us.

Until next time dear friends, God willing.

Sherry

The Road Not Taken

2012-10-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost ~ 1874 - 1963

Where will your road lead?

When it's time, we will be ready to welcome you on our road less traveled...come along.

Until next time ~ in His time ~ God willing,

Sherry

Ebb and Flow

2012-09-28T12:51:00.001-07:00

I'm still here...

I'm just knee deep in enjoying our simple life, much like this Amish family.

We are slowly moving out of summer, into Autumn...

...and enjoying the beauty it brings to our little world.

How about you, dear friends?

How is your little corner of the world?

Until next time, God willing.

And God bless...

Sherry

New Way of Shopping

2012-08-30T12:05:00.005-07:00

I've gone from this...

To this...

Until next time, dear friends.

Lord willing...

Sherry

Anxious?

2012-08-28T13:14:00.002-07:00

Me too...

for winter...

However, it will come soon enough.

Plus,

I don't want to skip my favorite season...

Autumn.

Until then, we will continue to enjoy what each day brings.

The good...

And the bad...

Speaking of anxious...

If you are not familiar with what is happening with our skies, please watch this...

it's a "must see" for all.

Until next time, dear friends.

Lord willing.

(And know He is sovereign...)

Sherry