Why Oil?

Just like straightening up my bedroom when the dust bunnies come to visit and sorting socks when they are over flowing out of the bin, I have another unusual habit you may be interested in. For my neighbors, its probably the epitome of Christian weirdness. Every so often, when I have it on my heart, I anoint my property or house with oil. Now if I lived on a city block, it would look strange, but people could probably accept the kooky behavior. The problem is that our property is located in a very steep section of the Rocky Mountains. Faithful to my convictions, I still climb up and down the boundaries of our property and sprinkle a little oil along the borders here and there. I haven't seen any mountain goats keeping me company as I entertain my pilgrimage, though I haven't had anybody offer to join me either. I, alone, entertain this ancient tradition.
One day, my son, Art Dog asked me what I was doing. I told him. Then he asked me "why?". I wondered it myself. Its just something that I've always done. I really didn't understand why I was doing it to be honest. I just knew it was something that I felt I should within my own personal convictions.
This got me to thinking. If I'm going to do something as bizarre as sprinkling oil around the borders of my property, or dumping it on my kids heads, or smearing some on the wood stove, perhaps I ought to have a solid conclusion as to the origin of my behavior. This would be especially helpful if I was ever questioned for my psychiatric well being.
I went about researching the uses of oil in Biblical times.

Often times, oil was used in the place of dedication, consecration, and as symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Numbers 7
Offerings of the Leaders
1 Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them.

It was used on property and people as well.

Lev 12 And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him.

It was associated with the blessing of God

Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.



It was associated with Supernatural Healing

James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Freedom from Depression

Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

It was associated with a Spiritual Awakening

18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.


When I anoint our house or property, I think of it as asking God for His Supernatural Protection. The closest thing I can find on a scriptural basis to this is where they anointed Lambs Blood to the top and sides of the door frames in Exodus 12 as a way of protection from a destructive plague that ravaged the Egyptians. Of course I would REALLY look weird sprinkling blood around my property, on my kids and house. I would probably have to call a shrink on myself in that case scripture or no scripture.

In conclusion, I would have to say that anointing (or consecrating) property, people and the like with oil is certainly scriptural and a good idea in general. Its a physical thing we can do to demonstrate our faith that God is going to work in a certain area of our lives.

Since the Holy Spirit is also associated with Oil,

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.

we are inviting Him to habitate the place we are anointing.


These are just a few observations that I have found from a short (very short) scriptural search. I don't think its ever going to hurt you to add a little oil to a situation or problem in your life. In fact, I would wager that in involving God, if even with a sliver of faith, you will find He will come in BIG on your behalf.


note :
The only oil I do NOT advise is buying some "special" oil from somebody that is trying to scam you. God is NEVER for sale. As far as I am aware, any all purpose oil will due just fine. Its the ingredient of faith that makes it active.

My Baby Can Belly Crawl Part 2

My Baby Can Belly Crawl Part 1

Matching Socks and Hairbow by my sister Heather.

Really Exciting REALLY CHEAP Really Healthy New Meal Staple

I am REALLY EXCITED!! Thanks to some girlfriends of mine, I have been introduced to a whole new food staple. A couple of months back, I blogged about making sprouts. That was all good and fine. It was fun too. What I didn't understand was that people eat some sprouted grains as a main staple (like rice or pasta). AND the exciting part ......... Sauteed in butter and garlic with some onion and carrot added in, these sprouted rye taste fabulous! They don't taste at all like rye bread (which i don't like). Their more like a brown or wild rice / whole grain taste.
I paid $1.44 for 2 lbs of rye at a health food store. It can be bought cheaper in bulk. My friend, Hazel, taught me to fill the jar 1/3 of the way full with the rye berries and soak overnight. Then rinse them a couple times a day with the jar upside down until they sprout. The jar filled so full that I had to use a butter knife to pry them out. The pan was really stuffed full. Its a dirt cheap, full of nutrition, tastes great, easy way to stretch your budget type meal staple that will feed a big family like mine.
One of my kids announced after eating them "they're not that bad" this is translation for "it will take some getting used to". Moonbeam ate two helpings. My husband liked them (which was the ultimate test). I'm really psyched :-)

RUN LADY RUN

A very exciting event took place this weekend - monumental. It's something i didn't think possible. It all started with our girls accountability group. A couple of them were talking about going running together. Immediately I was feeling a little jealous. I always wish I could run. "Why don't you run?" I asked myself. Miss Belly Fat answered "You can't run" she explained. "Why not?" I asked. Fear of animal attacks has kept me from running since I've lived here. Now with Mist living so relatively close by, I started to think that maybe we could run together. "You haven't run a mile nonstop since junior high" Miss Belly Fat reminded me. I didn't care. I decided to do it by faith.
Early that morning I woke up several times. I was so excited. I dawned 3 running bras with a running shirt (I always thought I might start running someday), a running leotard with a pair of too big running shorts (that I got at a second hand store), and finally some running shoes. I had tried to sell the shoes on eBay but they never sold. I had an entire running attire (and then some). I even put my hair up to look like one of those runner type people.
Then I baked some granola. I'm pretty sure that runners eat granola. After that, I grabbed a few last minute things and headed out the door. Mist met me exactly at 8:50 am (ten minutes early) at our designated spot. I reminded her that I haven't run since high school. She said it would be o.k.. We started running. After about a block, I was ready to rest but I didn't want Mist to know. I kept going. "Something about you seems like you might be a runner" Mist informed me. "Its the leotard" I told her. After about a half a mile, we walked so I could catch my breath. Then we finished the mile with lots of encouragement from Mist. Then we walked another mile. We decided to try running the last mile back without stopping. HONESTLY I didn't think I could do it. I just kept saying "I think I can", "I know I can", (like the little train). I was amazed and shocked. I had run two miles (and walked two miles). Wow, this was very exciting. I hugged Mist fervently and thanked her as if she had just donated a kidney. She smiled.
I think we are going to start running together a few times a week. Maybe this is just the thing I need to defeat Miss Belly Fat once and for all!!!

ok ok you want to hear the example

ok, so here is the example to the below post. And here is a picture of a houseboat in Kashmir (one of the photos from today's slide show and missionary report).

Well here was my example : It was about Gods fierce love for us. One time somebody was mad at me. Everybody knows how my husband is the most mellow guy ever (everybody nods and agrees). Well I was telling them about how this one time somebody made the mistake of telling him : "I don't have a problem with you, I have a problem with your wife". My all time favorite quote of his was this: "If you have a problem with my wife, then you have a problem with me". Just the way he said it had this "c'mon buddy lets go" (tough guy) protector sound to it. It was wayyyy coollll. Anyhow, that's how God is toward us. He is like a husband protecting his wife, or a father protecting his child. God is our defender and our present help in time of need :-)

a flood of water and seeds and other crazy dreams

Today I did the missionary report at my church. Almost every time i get up and speak at some public function I think I might hurl. To make matters worse, God got involved. He gave me this Scripture to read and an example with it. I argued with Him. I didn't like the idea of adding in some Scripture. To be completely honest, I have a horrible fear of man and am always sure I am going to offend somebody somehow. After putting together a slide show on my laptop of the missionary family and printing off a couple of their updates, I visited and reminisced with the kids. Then I went off to bed somewhat pouting (about the scripture).
That night I dreamed my car was trapped on a flooded road. I couldn't get to church to give the missionary report. I had to call the brother of the sister whom I was reporting about. Then the entire church was filled with seeds from front to back everywhere in the walkway. I tossed, I turned, finally I said "fine I'll share the Scripture." When I got up, I wondered if the road would be flooded since the river has been rising. It wasn't. No seeds were in the church when I got there. Amazingly, I was able to get the kids there on time even though my husband wasn't there. Luckily, I noticed that one car had an empty tank and I turned around and got the other one. I would have felt really stupid running out of gas and hitching a ride to church to do the missionary report.
God had put it on my heart to send them a box of stuff. When I told the girls (in our group) that it costs $50 to send they got a shocked look. I told them it was fine, we'd trust God for the money to send it. I have to laugh because people have handed me $85 for shipping expenses besides bags of toiletries. God just has this way of getting things together. What can I learn from this post that probably doesn't have a good clear conclusion? Well, possibly make sure that you check your gas gauge early in your drive (and preferably before you leave home). Its best to obey God on what to say at church (otherwise you may have a restless night dreaming about floods and seeds). Oh, and if you read "deer stew delivery lady", a girl stopped over today to tell me that she and her dad were arguing who was going to have to cook supper. They were both tired and didn't want to do it. She said she really appreciated the stew. That was pretty cool.
By the way, here's the scripture :
Isaiah 59:19
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

Deer Stew Delivery Lady

I exhibit an unusual compulsion. Its an addiction like none other. Really, its not bad (as long as I can keep it in balance). Its more of a "good habit"..... Yes, its the desperate need to evangelize those around me with food. After my children have been well schooled, fed and emotional needs met of course, sometimes I gratify it.
When I'm at home, the best method I've found to be a light to others is by cooking. I'm one of those women who feed people until they are stuffed and then I feed them some more. Then I have to repent because I know its not all that healthy but that's beside the point. Every so often I commence to a bake off in my kitchen. I have long ago learned that if the food is too good, I will not be permitted to let it leave the house. For instance, there is never a time when I can share chocolate chip cookies with any neighbor, ever. My family just refuses to share even if it is for the purpose of evangelism. Just forget it. Now if I made oatmeal raisin cookies, well then it would probably be OK (as long as everybody got some first). I have also tried to share some favorite meals. I was strictly and unanimously prohibited. This greatly frustrated my cause, but I decided that if I'm going to be going about doing some type of mountain woman evangelism I ought to at least be "submitted" to my husband (and kids) any how.
At last, over time, I found that if I make large pots of soup, batches of Cinnamon rolls and bread, at times my family is willing to part with just a little. Really, I should take it as a compliment to my cooking.
So every morning, I go out on my swing, or in a quiet place and I pray. Some days, I feel the leading to bake extra and share with a neighbor. God puts it on my heart and I try to be obedient. Of course as you would guess, these things are never as we plan. The muffins I made didn't seem perfectly done. The whole wheat rolls were a bit too moist. The white rolls were a bit doughy. The deer stew I made cooked all day but the vegetables were still crunchy. I turned the heat up to high and scalded it a bit. All in all I was feeling quite distressed. When it was finally ready, the rain was pouring down outside. Nothing seemed to be cooperating. Several times I considered aborting the mission. That still small voice reminded me that He asked me to do it. By faith I went off to dawn a raincoat. I scooped stew into throw away jars that I'd been saving for just such an occasion. I heaped a fluffy towel over a large wicker basket and stepped outside by faith. The rain seemed to turn into a light drizzle. I began to see the humor in my situation. Here I am, this woman compelled to deliver deer stew in the rain. If anyone asked me to explain myself, I probably couldn't do it. I just know its what I am supposed to do.
One man greeted me with a big smile in his long under ware. His wife has been sick for a long time. Another greeted me with a smile. I know they don't cook much. I surveyed the road. Many of my neighbors live without electricity or running water. Some live in poverty. Some are retired and older. Many don't know Jesus. Some are "end times" type people looking in the sky for contrails. Some derive their joy in "medicinal plants". Everybody is different, but the one thing that is the same is that none of them object to some hearty deer stew and muffins. On a rainy day they are warmed and hopefully there is a small window into their lives showing them the love of God.
Am I crazy for delivering deer stew in the rain? Absolutely, hands down, yes. Would I laugh at such a woman, no question, yes. I regularly laugh at myself and my crazy antics. Am I fulfilled in doing it? Yes, hands down yes. Its a compulsion. I can't help myself. Its my strange form of mountain woman evangelism. It doesn't hurt, doesn't offend, doesn't judge. Its just a medium to give so much more. Its a medium for something supernatural.

The Post You've Been Waiting For.....

My Son, The Archer, has this cool testimony about shed hunting. Here it is....

Stubborn Belly F-A-T

Let me guess, you are sitting down with a bowl of ice cream or some other delicious morsel and wanting to engage in something NOT TOO DEEP. Right? Meee tooo. Unfortunately, I've been like that all day. Aside from cleaning my bathroom, scrubbing the kitchen and dining room, doing some home school work with the kids and general maintenance of one Moonbeam, I've been pretty unmotivated. I made an alarming discovery when I put on my first pair of shorts for the year. You guessed it, it was stubborn belly fat. She started out small, but the more I accommodated her, the more she grew. Soon she invited all her friends along with some distant relations. They all took up residence on my abs..
I politely told her to go. She didn't listen. I threatened a diet and exercise regime but she didn't budge. I even went as far as to limit her sugar intake. She got angry, real angry.
Last night my daughter made these delicious no bake cookies. You know, the kind with the chocolate and oatmeal in them? Well right away miss belly fat wanted in on it. She told me to amble into the kitchen and help myself to a spoonful (like a really BIG spoonful) while they were yet in the pan. I obliged, though I told her it wasn't a very good idea. My daughter, with hands on her hips told me to quit eating the cookies before they were even cooled. I stuck out my tongue at her and sulked off. Later, when I hoped she wasn't looking I went back for another. This time they were cooling in the fridge. Busted!!! She then counted the cookies and announced that we all get three of them and ONLY three. I pouted. Then miss belly fat reminded me that there were still chocolate chips in the freezer.
Today, though my pride was injured, Miss Belly Fat told me that it would be OK if I just ate one of my allotted cookies. I did. Then I ate another (it was all her idea). My daughter shamelessly admitted to miscounting the cookies and told us we could all have 6 each. Fear immediately gripped me. These cookies are going to be in the fridge all week long!! Miss Belly Fat gave a hearty belly laugh. She won't quit reminding me that their in there. She begs. She pleads. She screams and demands that I EAT THEM ALL! Oh sure she says "just one", but we both know that one is never enough.
Today I stood up that belly fat bully. I told her that two was my limit for the day. She snickered. She nagged. She pleaded. She even tried blindly leading me into the kitchen. Finally in desperation I fixed a cup of chai. Chai always seems to help me get a little bit of an edge over her evil intentions.
Somewhere in my imagination, there is a summer that I can wear smaller sizes than I've ever dreamed. I work out and I look good. I participate in an athletic swim. I have a flat belly (Miss Belly Fat has moved on to some other sucker). I even pierce my belly button (though no one sees it but my husband). Until that day, I will continue to battle her evil schemes. Perhaps you, too have been fooled by her deception. Perhaps together, with Gods help, we will expose her seductive ways and defeat her once and for all. Tonight I will start with some crunches, how about you?

Gods Gardening Techniques

Today my SUPER GREAT SPECTACULAR AND VERY HELPFUL daughter helped me as i finished raking, spreading manure, watering and sprinkling grass seed all over our yard. It was a lot of work and i can feel my muscles ache as i sit here on the computer. Hauling buckets of dirt and rocks around with a baby on your back is a great way to burn calories and use muscles you never knew you had!
I am hoping this will be the year that i see some progress in the yard.
My yard isn't like a normal persons yard. Have you ever seen the commercial where the guy leaves his house for work and skydives off a cliff to get to his car? Well that's a little bit like my yard. Its a small area on top of a rocky hill overlooking forests and river with a dirt road waayyy at the bottom. You have to look waayyy up to see our house.
I tried to have a garden for several years but became increasingly frustrated as every year even the weeds had a hard time growing. Finally, I moved the dirt into a few flower beds and spread the rest as a last ditch hope for grass (and a sense of normalcy). Don't feel sorry for me. Normal people could probably get things to grow. Part of my problem is that I'd rather be out swimming or hiking or doing something other than yard work in the summer. I plant the seeds, but I don't stick with it and water, weed, etc..
My slovenly gardening techniques reminds me a lot of Christians I've seen. Many of them have a lot of good intentions but never follow through. They are enslaved in bad habits and dwarfed in immaturity because they don't water their spirit with the Word of God. They never spend time in the presence of God (Sunshine). They let the weeds take over. I grieve over bad choices that they make. I wish I could help them learn from my mistakes. Unfortunately, we all have to find our own learning curve.
I'm going to focus on my flower beds and lawn this summer. Though I feel slightly jealous of my friends gardens, I have to accept that I just don't have the time. I want to work on getting in shape, have fun with my kids, enjoy the out doors hiking and swimming, etc.. A virtuous woman does not take on new responsibilities and neglect her other ones. No Condemnation (I have to keep reminding myself).

The Parable of the Sower Explained

Mark 4:13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

Here are my 2 youngest kids, Catman and Moonbeam, on top of an unnamed mountain that we hiked up the other day. Moonbeam had a good time sharing my lunch (you can see the cupcake crumbs on her face). She also enjoyed playing in the grass. I was impressed Catman made it all the way up and down without complaints. I'm still feeling sore from it!

The Shed Hunter Who Prays

My son, "The Archer", works very diligently to get his school work done in a timely manner. He can't wait to get outside to search for sheds now that the snow is melting. He has an incredible testimony about finding these which he will soon be posting. I can't wait till he tells the story. I'll put up a link right away. Inspired by his finds, we all skipped school (except him because he got up very early to get it done). Then we hiked up a mountain together. I packed up the Beamer in her pack which is a total of a good 30-40 lbs (including my lunch, diaper bag, pistol, water bottles, etc.).
After reaching the top, I lounged around with Catman resting. Moonbeam played in the grass. Suddenly "The Archer" came running through the patches of snow pretending to bugle (like a bull elk) with another set of elk sheds!! Gosh that kid finds them all!! I'll post those pics later. Happy Friday!

Apron Finale For My Sister Heather

My Sister Heather did a challenge for everyone to put up apron posts and talk about them. Since I am domestically challenged, I did not comply. I feared that I should not put up one since I do not know how to sew. Yes, the truth is difficult. Really, I don't sew at all. When other nice girls were sewing, I was either running wild or working in a nursing home which was my first job. The closest I get is assisting the doctor with sutures. Anyway, my sister said that sewing isn't required for her post so I decided to make a finale for her.
Here I am dragging my daughter into the kitchen to help me make cinnamon rolls. We made them together. I thought more pics would turn out, but Catman was our photographer and there was a lot of leg and abd shots - I will say no more!! Also pictured is me making wild rice soup.
Oh yeah, the apron is one my mother in law gave me years ago for Christmas. I don't wear it much. Its kinda falling apart. Maybe my sister will make me a sexy sophisticated one like this someday.

Working Mom Blues and the case of my irrresponsibility with our checkbook

Well here i am again. It's 2am and all is well other than that I am here and not snuggled up in bed with my man and my baby. The lousy industrial "gourmet" coffee in the pot laughs fiendishly at my plight to stay awake. It knows that I can't stomach it even when I am near exhaustion. I almost always throw out half the cup I pour due to disgust. I will admit I am a coffee snob, but there are worse vices than expensive coffee.
I failed to mention (or perhaps chose not to mention) that I failed to balance our check book for quite sometime. I knew that the tax refund had come. In my mind, ignorance is bliss (until I must balance the checkbook). After I knew I couldn't let it go any longer, the woeful day approached. My carefree days to the grocery store and Costco I knew were coming to a rapid closing.
"There is how much in the checking account?!" my husband asked me incredulously. Not that he was angry, just a little unhappily shocked. He had wanted to use that money for $2,000 insurance premium that our fire fighting equipment requires to contract with the forest service. I had over spent about $1000 (or more). Hence and alas, here I am once again sipping industrial joe and its by my own doing. When will I ever learn?
Next weekend he is going to another gun show to resell ammo. He informed that I would not be going along because I spend too much money. I feigned offense. I decided that it was best not to argue. He's planning to eat sandwiches and sleep in his pull behind trailer. At the last gun show he conceded to a motel with a swimming pool and the "Hu Hot". As you can see, he may on to something.
I am hoping to get together with various women and do some immature activities. I have notified several of them and they are willing to entertain me in my time of isolation. I'm hoping I don't get into too much trouble while he is away. Until then I will behave and pick up a few shifts as a token of my repentance.
I am wondering if any of you women out there have any good suggestions to me not spending money. Is it possible? Perhaps I will need to call a fast and set aside continual prayer times for this agonizing feat. Already tonight I have bid on an ebay wetsuit. The cold rivers have beckoned to my kayak and I must comply. My children are wary of my braving them without a wetsuit.
Yesterday I made egg salad sandwiches for a cheap meal (and to use the left over colored eggs). My children refused to eat them and instead consumed left over hot dogs and buttered bread. Wait until they find out I will be serving economeals all month - wha ha ha ha!! What excuse will I use for this plight? Hmmm....a fiendish woman spent our money while i happened to be uhh... blogging - yeah that's it.

More Merriment

Pics include :
Archer got carried away with hiding the baskets! The kids all had fun. They had their own dinner table with fancy glasses of fizzy juice. Mist made a beautiful cake. Hazels youngest can't stay away from Moonbeam. She just loves her!

Resurrection, Easter Merriment

Up at 5am for a 7am sunrise devotion up a hill in the woods with some brave church goers. The real sided wooden cross there really hit the fact hard to me of Jesus dieing on the cross for our sins.

8am pot luck breakfast, 9:30 the kids are in a special Christian enactment. Art dog passes out programs. Super Catman is a kid praying at the flag pole. Moonbeam begins to fidget in her dress. As you can see its too cold for traditional attire, we must improvise with log sleeve onsie. My friend put jeans under her girls dresses!!

11am Sneak out of church service to begin next activities. Get ready for big dinner, basket hunt, egg coloring with Mist and Hazels families.

Rest of the day - lots of eating, fresh air and merriment :-) Happy Resurrection / Easter!!!!

super catman and the army of doom

Usually I have to chase my children around with the camera to get a decent picture of them. Sometimes it involves complaining and getting grumpy just to get a shot for petes sake!! Ok, a lot of the time (dare I confess this?). I was immediately suspicious when my son Catman ASKED me to photograph him. I was informed that he would not be smiling for these poses as this is serious stuff.

Done and Undone (for my sisters challenge)

My sister is doing a blog challenge for done and undone lists. Here's mine :


Done:

1/2 the yard raked
1/2 the living room walls painted
1/2 the laundry done
baby's clothes organized and gone through for the most part
prayed for the kids before i left for work
changed the baby and nursed her
been getting a lot of fresh air and exercise

Undone :

The other half of the above 1/2 done stuff :-)
forgot to assign school work for one of my kids today (it becomes a "choose your own subjects day" for the lucky lad)
lots of school work to correct
kitchen cupboards are a disaster
abd crunches
ug - getting contracting paper work in order for our heavy equipment this summer.
Never took the pics off our camera and the memory card is full.
oh, ok, my whole entire house has something "undone" every where!! Aahhhh!!! I can't bear to contemplate anymore undone stuff while i am sitting here at work. It's maddening and psycho. Full Moon days are not a good time to think of these things. Ug and double ug!!!!!

expectation

It's almost midnight and i just can't help myself. Something about spending time with my accountability gals just makes me feel inspired to write. Perhaps its the sugar in the chocolate chip muffin that I just shamelessly consumed. Maybe its because my kids are all sleeping peacefully and I can see an almost full moon out my window, whatever the reason, I feel compelled to blog.
Today we had our accountability meeting at 22 year old Mists house. In case you don't remember, Mist is the one who lives in a one room cabin with no electricity or running water. This is quite contrary from the live she once lived in California. Her bathroom is an out house without a door. Her running water comes in the form of a creek running by the cabin. Her cabin is so old that if a strong man pushed on it, he might be able to break the wall. Its so poorly insulated that when I'm hot from her wood stove, all I have to do is sit on the floor. The breeze keeps me cooled off. Her biggest concern when she leaves is the havoc from the mice who quickly invade her dwelling.
I don't say these things to insult her at all. On the contrary I admire Mist and am even a bit jealous. She is truly one of the most incredible women that I have ever met. Mist is almost always sporting a smile. She is incredibly content. She is kind, generous and knowledgeable. I can't think of many women who would know how to be content in Mist's place. When you walk into Mists cabin, you forget about your surroundings. Everything is clean, neat and orderly. She cooks like no one I have ever sampled of. She really knows how to make her abode into a comfortable home.
As I got out of my truck about a quarter of a mile from Mists house, I packed Moonbeam into my baby backpack. I examined the melting snow wondering how the trek back to her house would be. I said "hello" to her husband who was driving away. It dawned on me that packing everything in and out by hand 1/4 of a mile would be quite challenging. It would be quite challenging especially because it isn't plowed. Its more of a packed down foot trail.
Since nobody wanted to stay in the cabin on such a beautiful day, we commenced on a 6 mile hike together. We encouraged each other in the Lord. I told the women a lot of stories about how God has supernaturally provided for me. I could see their faith increasing as I spoke. This got me encouraged. The fresh air and sunshine felt wonderful. The hike was a great work out.
When we got back to the cabin Mist sauteed us sprouted wheat berries for lunch. I had brought along a few fresh vegetables which she added in. It was the best meal I've eaten in weeks. She is an incredible cook.
After lunch, we prayed for each other and for our husbands. I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do next. I have this expectation beginning to build.
When I got home from Mists I decided that I've had a pretty bad attitude about my washer and dryer. Its been on its last legs for some time now. I randomly get angry with my husband for this fact, though its not any fault of his. I had my artist son draw some large pictures on his easel. Then I taped them up with scriptures in my laundry room to remind me that I need to have a better attitude. I need to trust God for a better washer and dryer. I need to ask Him for one, but more importantly I need to be grateful for the ones I already have. I need to be thankful for my husband too. He is a generous man. I am almost giddy wondering what kind of miracle God is going to do. Every time we set our hearts on Him and pray something exciting happens.

Don't Feed The Bear!!

Here are a few fun pics taken recently. Moonbeam was dragging herself around the floor when my husband put this bear hat on and growled at her. As you can see, she's not too impressed.

The rest are of our hike to the lake nearby. Catman thinks of everything by cleverly hanging his puddle boots off of his bike handles. Moonbeam spends her first time on the ground playing with dead leaves. I am smiling in earnest expectation wishing for the ice to melt off of my favorite place to swim!!!

Tricked Out Shed Hunters

Pictured here is Catman wanting yet another "rest stop". Also my husband and I with my first official "shed" find.

OK, I usually don't post this many days in a row, but today I did something new I've never (officially) done before hence today's post.
After a busy night working as an Emergency Room Nurse in a small rural hospital, I was ready for something relaxing. The clock ticked by way too slow last night making my 12 hours seem like eons. Not to mention any time I am 12 hours away from my baby I begin to fixate on parts of my anatomy which begin to become rather swollen and uncomfortable. In my mind I have monstrous appendages which are ready to explode upon impact. There are hazard signs flashing all around me and patients and doctors alike are fearful that the great milky volcano may erupt at any time. My wild imagination places me preforming a very delicate job assisting with sutures. Under high pressure, we cauterise the patients bleeding wound. Just as I relax, the great milky bombs unleash their fury and the doctor and patient are horrified as my shirt becomes soaked and dripping, contaminating a sterile field. Am I the only one who entertains such fears? Please, don't answer that. Luckily I didn't assist with any sutures last night and my scrub top remained dry with the help of Lasinoh.
That was totally off subject. Well anyway, after I slept the morning away and the children had finished their school assignments I was ready for some fresh air. I tried rather half heatedly to get my husband to go kayaking with me. When that attempt failed, I tried for a hike. At last we settled on their latest favorite pass time, shed hunting.
The idea of hiking around the forest looking for dead deer horns is not all that appealing to my sense of adventure, however, it is close enough to exercise to be palatable. The children piled into the back of our old Toyota and my husband was off down a remote unmaintained road. I will never fully understand what thrill he derives from driving down untravelled roads. Driving through snow and slush where no one has gone all winter makes him happy. It makes me nauseated. I began to feel rather grumpy. Eventually he had conquered what he needed to and we were off on a remote hillside.
The children spread out with a sense of great excitement. Just these past few weeks they have again discovered the monetary value of antlers. Not only is it a cool discovery from an animal, its like finding money out in the woods.
I, on the other hand was not as excitable. It suddenly dawned on me that this was going to be a lot of exercise. Not only were we hiking up hill where the snow was freshly melted, but I was also packing Moonbeam on my back along with water bottles and whatever else junk I had stuffed into the baby pack. Realization began to painfully dawn the higher I climbed. Suddenly I saw it!! It was a 4 point antler in perfect condition! I yelled out "I found one!". Every one came to look. They were all quite impressed. "That one's worth $5 or $10" one of my children informed me. It takes quite a bit to impress my kids. Suddenly I became a celebrity in the family and I became much more interested in becoming a mighty shed hunter. The fresh air was nice. The workout was challenging. The family time, priceless.

My Son, The Honorable Archer

Psalm 127:4 (New King James Version) Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.




I've been thinking for some time about writing a post about my eldest son. He is an incredible man. As a young child, he was very obedient, good natured and even took 4 hour naps! The naughtiest thing he ever used to do (that I know of) was to hide in the bathroom for untold hours when he was supposed to be doing his school work. I finally got wise and started sending work in with him when it was time for "the big job".
My son, The Archer, never ceases to amaze me. He hikes for miles out in the vast wilderness. He has encountered all manner of wild animal. He's been stalked by predators and he has stalked more than his share of wild game. He's come face to face with a host of animals that many people just dream of seeing. He's athletic, rugged and strong. Most importantly, he loves God with all his heart. Though he's tough and smart, his heart is soft toward God.
Many times he's been out in the wild and felt God speaking to him to go somewhere or not to. By obeying God, he has literally avoided many manners of danger including a Grizzly which he later encountered coming from the direction in which he was told not to go. God has blessed him with a keen sense in the forest and with wisdom beyond his years.
He has always tithed his money from the time he started earning it. I find it amusing that he has more than most teenagers and its not because we've bought him all that much. Just last weekend he found a $20 bill laying in the mud when we were in town. He took that money and invested it into something that instantly was worth $50. That kind of ability to gain wealth is a supernatural blessing that comes from being obedient to God with your finances.
He has always helped us out a lot. He babysits the younger kids when I am working. He does chores without complaining. He is kind to his sisters and brothers. I have come to depend on his strength in our family. Last winter when my husband was gone at work, he used our other 4wd with chains to pull me out of snow ruts several times when I was trying to get to and from work myself.
In fact, I don't know of any other 17 year olds who are so mature, dependable and honorable as my son. Certainly he will do great things in his life time. The other day he gave me a hug and kissed me on the cheek. He said "Mom, thanks for raising us. Thanks for raising a big family". Because he honors his mom and dad, I am counting on this scripture coming to pass for him: Exodus 20:12 (New King James Version) “ Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you."

I'm so proud of my oldest son. He never ceases to exceed my expectations of him. I don't always express my appreciation for him like I should, but I hope that he knows I'm very proud of him and that I love him lots :-)

don't get them wet or feed them after midnight

Today we had our weight loss/accountability meeting at Hazels which is evolving into more of a Bible Study. Hazel lives in a one and a half room cabin with a loft. Her bathroom is an outhouse behind the cabin. Her kitchen sink drains into a 5 gallon bucket. Hazel and her husband Matthew bought land, built a simple cabin and live there happily with their 3 girls. In order to maintain a sense of privacy, the rest of the family is kicked outdoors since there is no place else for them to go. While Matthew worked industriously on his garage type outbuilding, the two oldest girls played outside - well kind of. They walked by the window multiple times with pained expressions on their adorable faces. Though it was quite warm out, they figured they needed some kind excuse to be in with the women. One even claimed she was tired and needed a nap. To no avail, their mother made them stay outside. We had a nice get together. Then we hiked to a nearby waterfall. It was refreshing. I continue to covet the attitude of contentment I find in these women. I find it quite ironic that some of the older women in our church think I am the one leading this group. Though I'm 10 years older than most of them, I'm probably the most immature and carnal one in the bunch.
I also took my kayak out for the first time this spring. It was incredibly peaceful. A Canadian goose flew in front of my kayak for a short distance. Pussy willows are beginning to emerge along the river banks. Other than almost tipping myself in the icy depths getting in, it was pure tranquility.
Later we all played a rousing game of badminton and watched the old movie "Gremlins", an 80's flick my husband and I watched when we were kids. Our kids just aren't impressed with 80's graphics. Well it was a good day anyway.

feeling sorry for myself - not

This morning i woke up to an insurmountable pile of laundry overflowing into the hall out of the laundry room. It was kinda like one of those beastly growths from a horror movie. Dirt and crumbs invaded every inch of usable space kinda like the scifis where little bugs come to get you. Angry dishes and filthy counters screamed out agonizingly to me as if they were being tortured by some unknown assailant. When I got to the breakfast table I heard the third comment about needing laundry washed, or some such drivel. I began to sink into a mire of self pity.
After working my two 12 hour night shifts this week, I slept all day after I got off. We've all been conquering colds. When I got up I was so overwhelmed with the mess I decided to go back to bed. I bet you've all been there. I figured I couldn't sleep any longer than the entire day I already wasted so I drug myself out of bed. After the laundry comments I began to feel quite unappreciated. The more I dwelled on it, the more unappreciated I decided that I must be. Soon violins filled the room and strangers began to sob intermittently. My house was really becoming depressing indeed.
I decided to catch up on some phone calls. The phone is always a good tactic to avoiding housework. This didn't last long. Most of my friends and relatives had things to do. It was then that I decided to face the beast.
After I recruited my daughter and youngest son to help sweep and scrub the floors I was feeling better. At least there was finally a safe place for my baby to drag herself around. Then my daughter persuaded me to help her put up our badmitten net. You must understand that this is no ordinary feat. We have almost no flat usable space. I am not kidding, you heard right. We live on top of a tall hill, almost a mountain. Most of it is incline. Our house is located on the very top. There is hardly any yard or parking space anywhere. Anywhere we set up the net, someone will have to look around down a hill to search for run away birdies and balls. This just propagates the unusualness of the lives that we live. Any simple thing becomes more complicated living on a small mountain or large hill.
Take for example the time we got a bed for my daughter one Christmas. That year we couldn't even get 4wd with chains up our driveway. My husband put the corner of the mattress and box spring in a children's sled. He pulled the sled and my teenager pushed it. That's how they got it up to our house!! Another time my husband fixed a truck up to sell. He fixed the engine, did some body work and painted it. He had just pulled it out of the garage and was admiring it. He went inside for something and off it went rolling down the hill. It hit a tree and did some unfortunate damage. As I said, nothing is normal here.
Anyway, we put up the badminton net, ignoring the fact that we had to chase birdies down a hill to get them. We played for a while in the fresh air. Then I drove our old pickup 4 miles down the road to get to some black top so I could push the stroller with the baby. Catman was also able to ride his bike. This gave him some pleasure. It didn't last long however, because he had worn puddle boots and his feet were getting sore.
At last I washed dishes for untold hours and did laundry. The house is beginning to once again resemble a home I am willing to abide in. I am nursing a feeling of accomplishment rather than self pity. I even cooked healthy and made some wild rice with bear for dinner. Things are looking up. Tomorrow is our weekly weight loss and accountability meeting. I am sure I will have some interesting things to blog about then.


1 Samuel 30:6B "but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God."

My Monthly Miracle Memory

Well, I'm working again tonight. It seems like I go from one busy thing to the next. As usual, my house has evolved into a disaster zone that few would dare to enter. I also had the rare privilege of writing one paragraph for a national magazine. I am excited about this rare moment of fame. I was limited to 50-60 words in my paragraph and as most of you are aware I am a wordy woman. This created an insurmountable challenge for me. I turned it in over the allotted amount. Perhaps I will be recognized for my writing abilities and be given a monthly column. Later I will be discovered and eventually go on to become a world famous author. I suppose you may be thinking that there are better chances of my gaining elf like archery and acrobatic abilities as I have been day dreaming about. I suppose either of those fantasies coming to pass would be all right.
Since I know you have all been waiting to hear about my monthly miracle memory I will hold back no longer. Years ago, in my early 20's I was just learning about being a good submitted wife. That "S" word has always been a struggle for me, and continues to be. Anyway, I was working a night shift doing pediatric home care at the time. I felt like the Lord was speaking to my heart about going fishing that day. I was just sure that He was telling me that I could go. The more I thought about it, the more excited I got. On my way home that morning I met my husband on the road. He was driving away to go fishing with some friends. I told him I was going with him. He was determined that I wasn't going. He wanted me to stay home and get some rest since I had to work that night. I felt really confused. I knew it wouldn't be right to argue so I just drove on home. I had felt sure that God had spoke to my heart about it. I was trying very hard to keep a good attitude.
At home I wondered how it would happen since the place he was going was a long way away. I knew I couldn't drive there since I had worked all night. Just as I was wondering to myself how it was all going to work out, my husband came driving back down the driveway. The presence of God had convicted him. He said he literally couldn't drive any further. He had to come back and get me.
This may sound like a strange miracle, but it has been an example to me ever since. When I keep my heart right, God always comes through for me. I believe that great power is available to us when we submit to divine authority, particularly when we submit to our husbands in a Godly manner. I hope it will inspire you.

Ephesians 5:21-23 (New King James Version)

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.