Little Things

A few weeks ago, I had one of the best days I've had in a long time. It was one of those days that I could feel the Lord's working and shaping in my life. His presence was ever near and it was a sweet day of fellowship with the One that truly matters.

I am always thinking and scheming about how I can do something big for the Lord; something that would make a huge difference in the life of someone else. I have a list of things that I think are worthy of my thoughts and efforts and yet, that list seems so unattainable. It frustrates me to no end that I have all these burdens on my heart and I seem to be unable to do anything. 

We all want to do something big right? What about the little things? Or the daily events that we seem to just look at as unimportant?

This day was like any other. Nothing special planned and no outings to go and do. The day went along without a hitch and when the afternoon rolled around I knew I needed to start making dinner. Quite often I will make a meal that I know will feed our whole family and there wont be much, if any, leftovers. I was set one of these dinners, but for some reason I felt compelled to make something I haven't made in a while. In fact, I got downright excited to make it. Zuppa Toscana with corn bread...one of my favorites! 

Dinner time was quickly approaching and I did a quick look in the mirror to make sure I was not totally disheveled and was thankful to the Lord that I actually was on time with the meals preparations. Soup was ready, cornbread just came out of the oven, and the table was set. As I was on my knees in the pantry putting the granulated honey in the pot to melt it a bit, my hubby walked through the garage door into the house. No sooner did I peer over my shoulder to say hello than do I see a gentleman following my hubby through the door. I quickly got up and Seth introduced me to Casey. It is not abnormal for my husband to have a person to introduce to me due to him always hiring new employees for his construction company. I assumed he was new to the business and thought no more. I walked into the kitchen and Seth was showing Casey around and the kids were chatting away with our guest. 

We asked Casey to stay and have dinner with us and he kindly accepted. And was I ever so thankful that I made soup instead of a meager dinner!!! While the honey was melting, Seth quickly took Casey outside and showed him around the farm. I got a little curious as to why Seth was talking so casually with Casey rather than filling him in on business talk, but one look out the dining room window and everything made sense.

Let me give you a background on my man.

I had heard a few stories when we first began dating and experienced it in our early marriage. My generous hubby has been known from time to time to pick up hitch hikers and give them a ride or take them to dinner. While I love this about him, it also scares me. I'm sure I don't need to explain why. When we had our first child I asked him to not do it anymore because I didn't want him to get hurt (I won't get into details, but lets just say I know of an incident with a kid I used to go to school with and it makes me incredibly leery of this kind of thing). Anyway, I have become convicted recently about how much we are doing to help the poor and the needy and for reasons only God knows, Seth and I talked a few months ago and we decided if he felt let to pick up a hitch hiker, he should. 

So when I looked out the dining room window, I saw a back pack in the back of the truck...

I smiled to myself and actually laughed. I was so thankful to the Lord for the change of heart that I could rejoice in seeing the Lord work things out. I had made enough dinner to feed twice as many people as we had at the table and my husband brought a wandering soul into our home so we could talk, feed, and encourage him. My children got to see their parents welcome a stranger into our home and they didn't think anything of it. They in fact, loved having Casey there and he was great. Conversation seemed to flow seamlessly and we rather enjoyed hearing about his life and interests.

We can be so quick to judge and act out of fear. And this evening was the exact opposite. Casey was a true gentleman and was actually on his way home from visiting friends. He decided to hitch hike from Oregon to Georgia so he could meet new people and have an adventure. He works a couple seasonal jobs and was on a break. We talked at the table for quite a while and Seth asked if he was ready to go. Lets just say that it was so hard to not tell Casey he could sleep on our couch, when I knew he was wanting to continue on his journey. I felt very inhospitable, but this was how he wanted it. His only request was to try our raw milk because he never tasted it before. And of course, he loved it.

While Seth was dropping Casey off by the interstate (I know, I know), I was pondering over the Lord's providence and how He so perfectly orchestrates events in our lives. Once I got the kids to bed, I went outside to do the chores. I am a creature of habit and always do them the same way, but for whatever reason I decided to do things a bit different. I fed the cat, went to feed Franco, and then headed for the coop. With the layout of our fence and such I have to go through a gate to get to the coop and it's a good thing I went this route. Nestled in the corner of the gate was one of my Welsummer hens. I would have NEVER found her here because this is not the usual spot for a missing chicken to be, let alone the usual chicken. A Rhode Island hen is usually found roosting on the top of the run, so I would have never thought to look here. I picked her up and immediately thought, "Lord, you care about the little things too. Not just what I consider to be big, but you care for the little things too. Feeding and welcoming strangers into our home (big), but also a lone hen that might be harmed if left by herself in the night (little)." 

I tucked the missing hen under my arm and just thanked the Lord for His providence and care for His people and His creation. People are of infinite more value than animals, but that doesn't mean He doesn't care for them.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."

Matthew 10:20-31

I walked into the coop, turned the light on, counted chickens, closed the run door, and then set the hen on the roost with the rest of the girls. No sooner did I set her down than did I realize she had a patch of feathers missing from her back. She was fine, no blood, but she probably got too close to Franco and got a few feather plucked out. I thanked the Lord (again) for letting me find her and see that she has some feathers missing. I now knew to watch out for her just to make sure she's ok.

I went to bed just in awe of how the hand of God plans the steps of His children and changes our hearts to want to do His will. I will probably not forget this day as it had a profound impact in my life. 

***

A few days before we left for our trip to Wyoming I found a letter in the mail that was addressed to Seth. It was from Georgia and I was so confused as to who it could be. I didn't know Casey's last name and I for some reason thought home for him was Texas.

I called Seth and asked if I could open it and once given the ok, I ripped the envelope faster than you could blink. I about started to cry once I realized who it was from and thanked the Lord that we were able to show the love of Christ to one who we may never meet again.

Not sure if you can read the letter, but here is the second half of it:

"The whole trip, Atlanta- Colorado- Oregon- Texas was amazing, but one of the best highlights and probably the most memorable moments was getting the chance to meet you and your family. I can't thank you enough for your hospitality, kindness, and gifts. When people ask about this trip, yours is the first stay I tell. Please extend my greetings and thanks to Noel, Jude, Ella, and Leah. May you all continue to be safe and prosperous. 

                                             -Casey Tucker "

Reading this means more to me (and us) than any amount of money or wealth. We are thankful for the chance to have met Casey Tucker and we pray that the Lord will work in his life.

If I have one thing to say it's this, don't let an opportunity to do another person good pass you by because your are afraid or because it might make you uncomfortable. God is the only one we need to please and He always, always cares for His children. May we always live to please him and never forget the poor, the needy, or just the traveler passing by.

A Quick Update

Hi friends!

I just want to give a quick update.

I went to the Wise Traditions conference in Portland Oregon this past weekend and it was awesome! I learned so much and am working on writing a loooong post about everything that was talked about. I also got to meet Sally Fallon, which was of course, so cool.  :)

I watched a movie called Farmageddon. If you haven't watched it...you must! Here's the trailer.

We have to eat to survive and so what is happening to our food and to those who raise our food is important. Sure it's easy to go to the grocery store and buy all that you need, but to not pay attention to our food supply isn't wise.

I've struggled with the topic of food and health and how it is one of the BIGGEST idols in this country. Don't get me started on on these food diets/fads and this idea that we all have to have a six pack and a perfectly toned rear. Sure it's nice, but who has time for that! I think we should be active and most of us probably should be exercising, but sorry I don't think it's healthy for women to have 5% body fat, especially those who are ttc, pregnant, or are nursing.  I've had to daily ask the Lord to give a His perspective on health and how we are to eat. A few hundred years ago, we didn't have to worry so much because everything was grown and raised well (for the most part). Now we live in a time where some people only eat processed food that is giving them a shorter life span and not to mention crazy health problems. I know that life on earth is about serving Christ and that is why I want to feed my family well. I want to be physically able to do what God has called my family and I to do. I think it wise as a wife and a mama to feed my family well so they can thrive and be useful.

Anyway, I just wanted to point you to a documentary about whats happening to small farms all over. I hope to get the Wise Traditions post up by next week. 

Just a side note, I know I said in my previous post that I was going to delete my official page for this blog and I tried. I cannot figure out how to do it! Silly I know, but I spent waaay to much time trying to do it and so for the moment I'm just going to leave it. I figure even if I don't post on it, those who want to know when a new post is up can at least still get the update.

Hope you are enjoying this lovely Fall season. I love the cool air, the sweet smell of nature going to sleep, and the future bonfires and snuggles with my munchkins.

Moving Day

It was Friday morning and I was tired, but anxious for the weekend. I got to spend the weekend with my man and I was very happy about it. This kind of event doesn't happen often. So when the situation presents itself, I jump on it.

We were helping some friends move to their new home. They get to start a new life off the coast of Northern CA and I have to say I'm a bit jealous. I don't really want to live there, but my favorite restaurant is only 20 minutes from them. My hubby and I love this restaurant so much that we'll actually drive the 4 hours just to eat there. Silly? No way.

Renata's Creperie is nothing short of fantastic. It's a delight to the taste buds and will leave you in dream land as you leave. Don't believe me? We'll here's one of their dessert crepes. Mmmm.





I'm drooling right now.

Not only did I get to spend time with my hubby and eat at my favorite restaurant, but I got to take some pics with my baby girl. Love her!





Isn't she just delicious? I smooch on her all day.

I have to apologize I didn't get very many 'moving pictures'. I was kind of busy, you know, moving and unpacking. I do have these however.



And when you get too tired to move any more boxes, you curl up on the couch and take a nap. Leah is sleeping under the blanket. Such a good daddy!



It was a great time with friends, but we were tired by the end of the trip. Not to mention that Seth had a terrible cold. I now have that cold too. Boo hoo.

It is absolutely beautiful off the northern coast of California. The mountains are lush with trees, vines, and ferns. And the air is heavy and yet fresh at the same time. I love being at the coast. Such a great display of God's creation.

Here's our view from the door to our hotel room. Pretty awesome isn't it?





So, on the way home I decided to play a bit with my camera. I had a lot of fun and be thankful I'm not showing you even a third of what I took.



I love this one. It's pretty cool seeing the trees perfectly silhouetted on the window.



Beautiful day. And yes, I was taking pictures through the window. Sorry.





Wow.

He's handsome alright.

I always think my hubby is good lookin', but there are those times where I step back and think, "I have me a smokin' hot man!"