When You Love Someone

It's not a surprise. I love my hubby. I love him so much that I would pretty much do anything to make him happy.

I have had a severe cleaning and reorganizing bug lately and with that, I've taken it upon myself to show love to my husband and give him a surprise. One that he wasn't aware that he was asking.

Every so often he would make statements like, "My side of the room is a mess!", "Why is your side always so neat and mine is all cluttered?", and "I wish I could have this all organized."

Well, I finally took the initiative and did something for my man.

I thought for a few days of what I wanted to do, what I wanted his side of the room to look like, and what would best represent him. I called his mama and asked if she would send me some hunting pictures of Seth growing up.

And here it is-

What do ya think?

Green House Update

I made a promise a while ago that when the green house was done, I'd show it off.

Well, guess what? It's done.  And I am ready to unveil our newest addition to the farm.

I hope your excited, because it's beautiful.  My talented hubby doesn't disappoint when his creativity starts to flow. The wooden beams are as aesthetic as they are solid. This green house isn't going anywhere. We've already had a couple of terrible storms with wind that could rival the open plains. And it still stands.

I am greatly anticipating our garden this Spring. I hope this new addition will enable us to start our garden in an efficient manner and give us an abundance of crops. May the Lord bless our efforts.

Are you ready to see it yet? Okay, here it is.

View from the back of our house.

The lovely inside.

View from the front of the house.

Isn't it beautiful?

The doors are made out of old red wood that Seth bought from a lumber yard. The beams are made from old wood that used to be part of our back porch.

I just love it and I am so thankful my loving hubby made this for us. It's such a great addition to the farm.

Do you have a green house? What do you plan on growing in your gardens this Spring?

Zuppa Toscana. You Wanna?

Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

I kept on trying to come up with a catchy title and this kept ringing in my brain. So I stuck with it.

Moving on...

As soon as I see the leaves change with the coming of Fall and when Winter is just around the corner, there is one thing that comes to my mind. Comfort food. And by comfort food, I mean soup.

I first made Zuppa Toscana a few years ago and fell in love with it's rich flavor and simplicity. You can't go wrong making this and everyone will love it. My kids can't get enough! A win in my book.

If you like this soup at Olive Garden, then you must try your hand at making this yourself. It is so much better homemade and very easy too.  If you are a traditional foodie (or a newbie like myself) this recipe is most welcome.

Here's what you'll need:

2 lbs. Ground Italian Sausage

1/2 teaspoon Ground Crushed Red Pepper

1 Large Chopped Onion

3 Cloves of Garlic

1 Package Bacon

10 cups Chicken Broth

6 Large Red Potatoes - Chopped in 1 inch sections

1-2 Bunches Chopped Kale

1 1/4 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (I didn't have any cream on hand so I put the half & half in it's place for the sake of the picture)

Cook your sausage and red pepper then drain and set aside. (If you use spicy sausage like I do, omit the red pepper. Unless you like really spice soup.)

Cook your bacon, drain and set aside. (I like mine crispy so when I add it to the soup, it gives the soup some texture, mainly a nice crunch.)

In your stock pot, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté your onions and garlic until softened. Add the chicken broth and potatoes and bring it to a boil. When the potatoes are almost fully cooked add your sausage and chopped kale.  As soon as the potatoes are fully cooked (I like mine a little under cooked so they don't fall apart in the broth), add the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

When serving the soup, add some of your crispy bacon on the top as a nice and appetizing garnish. Maybe add some Parmesan if your wanting some cheesey goodness.

And viola, you have some of the best soup ever. I'm serious. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

I do have to apologize for this picture. It was taken rushed and I had hungry family members waiting to eat. I'll do better next time...promise.   :)

I hope you come back and tell me of your Zuppa Toscana soup making and eating pleasure. I'm waiting...

This post was shared on Food Renegade's Fight Back Friday. Hope you love it!

This post was shared on The Polivka Family's Family Table Tuesday Carnival. Enjoy!

Not Just A Human.

A soul.

A living, breathing, image bearer of our God.

We get caught up in the busyness of our days, schedules, and commitments. Never pausing to take a breath let alone say a prayer for those easily forgotten. For those lost, young, and abused souls living in misery and torment. I am guilty of this. 

The Lord has been working on my heart to pray for more than my needs and those of my family that I love. Pray without ceasing. Pray for those whose lives are the topic of such debate as whether they're considered human until their born. Pray for those who are bought and sold for perverted pleasures and then sold once again. Pray for those whose bold witness for our great God cost them their lives and leave their families on earth without a father or a husband. Pray for those who just don't have enough money to support themselves,  put a roof over heads, or offer their own children a warm shower.

The Lord is good. He has saved me and placed me in a country where He can still be worshiped without His children facing persecution. A country where I can speak freely, have food and shelter, and be able to care for my family to the best of my ability. I thank the Lord for these comforts, but I can also use my freedom to be a voice for those who have been silenced.

By God's grace and providence I have come across a couple that is dedicating their lives to the freeing of women and children from the sex trafficking trade. They have formed a non-profit organization called The Exodus Road. Here, in their own words, is their mission statement:

"We're a non-profit organization that fights modern day slavery through covert investigations. Our coalition of operatives work together to gather evidence and conduct rescues for those trapped in sexual slavery."

They have allowed me to be a part of what they do. I have been given the opportunity to hear about their stories of rescue, of heart ache, and of redemption. I get to write and tell you about it. I get to pray for these dear souls and I hope that you will too.

Will you join me?

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In the past few weeks I have also come across a blog that has convicted me to pray for those who are orphaned. I have been touched by this dear woman and her commitment to Christ. She truly has a heart for the 'least of these.'

Her name is Adeye and she writes the blog No Greater Joy Mom. Visit her, you'll be glad you did.

Right now she is doing her best to help a family raise money to help build a building for those who are in extreme need in Guatemala. I have done what I could, can you?

We aren't called to give to every good cause. I know this. If you do feel led to help, then I hope you will listen and do.

I could go on and on about what this family is doing, but reading it at the blog (nogreaterjoymom.com), will give you such a better perspective. I hope you take a few moments out of your day to read more.

Go HERE, if you are interested in helping and learning more.

I thank you for visiting my blog. I love having you here. Please pray for the Lord's guidance in your life and be open to His direction.

What has the Lord placed on your heart? What are your convictions? I'd love to know!

GOPRO Thursday

I had a thought. Wondering if there would be interest.

Here it is - GOPRO Thursday. Where every Thursday I would post a video or two of the events, activities, chores, and occurrences here on the farm during the week. 

(My hubby, for his last birthday, got a GOPRO. It is amazing. And tiny. If you haven't heard of it yet, go HERE and find out.)

Today it was moving the sheep from one pasture to another. Next week it could be feeding the animals or putting down new bedding. In the Spring, it could be baby chicks or even a ewe having her lamb. So exciting! Let me know in the comments below if this would be of interest to you.

I think it would be rather fun.

***And I apologize for the video, as I do this more, my videoing should improve. Let's hope.