Rise and Swine

Perhaps today your spirit is troubled...overwhelmed...call out for Jesus.  His name is above ALL else. Lost are saved; find their way; at the sound of your great name   All condemned; feel no shame, at the sound of your great name   Every fear; has no place; at the sound of your great name   The enemy; he has to leave; at the sound of your great name JESUS All the weak; find their strength; at the sound of your great name Hungry souls; receive grace; at the sound of your great name The fatherless; they find their rest; at the sound of your great name Sick are healed; and the dead are raised; at the sound of your great name Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise your great name Redeemer, My Healer, Almighty My Savior, Defender, You are My King JESUS     Until then... Jessie

Today.. choose joy...choose to be grateful regardless of your circumstance. If you have a moment I would ask you to head over to  http://www.incourage.me/?s=please+don%27t+miss+it and read the post entitled 'please don't miss it' by Sara Frankl. UPDATE:  Sara passed away yesterday.  No more pain...just Jesus. Until then... Jessie 

The sky was hazed in hues of gray, as a gentle breeze danced through the cornstalks, whispering the birth of a harvest.  The air was cool and crisp. It had been a busy morning and my frustration level was high.  Now, I was desperately trying to load everyone and everything into the beast to head out for our first school field trip.  Finally all was packed and we were ready to begin our journey.  That is.. until the van wouldn't start.  After my husband poked about the engine for a bit we decided it would be best for me to take his car. He could go into work later instead of me cancelling.  We would be late - but we would get there.  Quickly we unpacked the van and repacked the car.  Of course, half way there we realized that we forgot the umbrella in the belly of the beast and the farther I drove the more it began to pour.  Lovely. As soon as we graced...

For those that are struggling to hold on today... Until then... Jessie

God always answers our prayers...perhaps not the way we would like...maybe not in our time...but there is always an answer. Many of you know that our oldest daughter Ally has been struggling with her faith for some time now.  She was angry.  Angry with Christians.  She was hurt by what she saw...and to be honest... I can't blame her.  What she saw was ugly.  As her eyes witnessed more and more she decided there was no God.  You get one life. Then you die. So live it up. Was her motto.  It was difficult to watch her walk through this journey.  Many times I wanted to step in...control...but I knew it had to be her choice... not mine.  As a family we cried out to God.  He was relentless in His pursuit but her heart hardened more.  We kept praying This past week had been a long one filled with pressures, stress and drama.  My husband and I...well...we got into a BIG fight.  You know - the kind where...

Oh how I've missed you, friend!  I thought you were gone forever.  I didn't understand.  We were so close...everywhere I went you went too.  Every emotion I felt you echoed.  You never failed me...in fact when I had no voice you spoke for me.  After all we've shared...then you were gone.  No notice.  No explanation.  You can't imagine my delight when you appeared in my living room!  Even my husband could see my beaming grin.  Although, I do have to admit my children were less than thrilled to see you again.  That's OK.  I'm ecstatic to have you back! Now, I finally understand why you disappeared for so many years.  Once you entered our home again my children confessed to their evil deeds and to think all this time you were buried in the back yard!  The thought sends shivers down my spine.  What kind of person would do such a thing?  My children look so angelic...to think they have ...

It seems like yesterday... I can still remember the moment his bare skin pressed against my chest.  With limbs too exhausted to move - still they found their way to envelope this tiny gift.  "Hi baby, I'm your mom."  With the sound of my voice his face turned to meet mine.  Deep, genuine eyes peered into my soul.  Doctors rushed about as I lay on the table, life draining from my veins, but the atmosphere did not speak of the danger lurking.  For just a moment... as that little guy locked me into his gaze.. all was perfect...Heaven met us both... and in our own world two hearts melted into one.   The room was quiet.  Doctors, family and friends had finally left us alone.  This was the moment I had been waiting for.  Yet I was terrified - terrified that I would fail him.  In silence I sat, fixated on the clear plastic basket that held my heart.  My breath heaved heavy as I pic...

I have AWESOME news!!!  All the medical tests have been completed and the results are in.  NO cancer!!!  The ultrasound did show what the problem has been.  Thankfully it can be corrected.  I can not tell you how much your comments, emails and prayers have meant to me.  Thank you all SO much!  If I'm going to be honest...I was afraid... and after I knew they found something on the ultrasound I dug my feet in and refused to proceed for a bit.  It was your encouragement and accountability that helped me push forward and God comforted me each step of the way.  The funny thing was my doctor was completely baffled.  Apparently women who are diagnosed with what I have are not supposed to be able to have children.  She kept saying "I'm not God, but I just don't know how all your children are here."  Haha =)  God is so good!  I've always known my kids were a gift but knowing...

Cancer.  A word no one wants to hear...not even the possibility of it's existence.  Yet, that was my reality two weeks ago.  I know nothing for sure yet.  Tomorrow I go in for an ultrasound, blood work and then a biopsy soon after.  I would so appreciate your prayers. On the upside - Me and my hubby just celebrated our 17th anniversary!  Honestly, most of the day was spent working on the kitchen but we are going out next weekend to celebrate.  The kitchen remodel is going well.  I now have a floor, counter, cooktop and sink.  My sweetie has been working soooo hard - and as usual he has done an amazing job! The bunnies are adorable.  They have fur now and are looking more and more like a rabbit each day.  I can't wait till they open their eyes. Our goat herd is rapidly decreasing.  This weekend we sold Sally and Sabrina and next weekend Oreo and Fudge will be going to their new home....

Maybe...today you're weary.  You wonder if anything matters...nothing seems to be going right and you feel like giving up...don't.  Keep running your race.   Until then... Jessie

I know... it's been forever since my last post but things 'round here have been a bit chaotic.  The kitchen remodel is coming along and hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to post before and after pics - but for now my house is torn up. On another note, who knew that waiting for a pregnant rabbit could be soooo stressful.  Four days past her due date and nothing...until... this morning!  Underneath all that hay and fur slept 5 little bunnies.  Of course, Audrey was the first to find them and woke up EVERYONE with her screams of joy.  Ally says they're ugly...Audrey wants to kiss them...Jonah and Aaron are thrilled...Josh went back to bed...and I'm just glad they are here and mama is doing well.   Velma  Four of them look like this Only one black one   Until then... Jessie

For those of you who have ask what it's like when I make soap...here it is All natural soap...but my neighbors wonder.... =) Hope you all have a great day! Until then... Jessie

Cross-legged I sit, my mind filled with memories of nineteen years gone by.  Who would have guessed the first time his soft, clammy hand met mine, that it would be the hand I would want to hold forever.  I can still see him..the first time we met...the first date...the terrified boy staring at me as I walked down the  aisle of commitment.  Children growing up alongside one another...trying to find our way...while raising children.  We had no idea what we were doing but together we were determined.  Life swept in with a vengeance.  Pressures mounted.  Emotions twisted into a whirlwind as tumultuous tongues whipped about, leaving us wounded and bloody.  Doubts and fears overshadowed truth.  I wondered often if we would make it.  I still hear the viperous hissing of those that declared we wouldn't.  God had a different plan.  At times I've questioned His plan - His goodness.  Maybe I married the wrong man?...

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of those that were courageous enough to share their hearts and help me with my assignment.  Please know that I am praying for each of you.  Your wounds, fears and struggles have not been forgotten...you are not alone...God sees and cares. Until then... Jessie 

It was one of THOSE days! ...Dirty laundry spilling out of baskets...breakfast dishes piled high...stacks of school papers waiting to be graded...while muddy dogs ran through the house and a certain little girl - just as muddy - ran after them... It was only noon and I was done!  Some days I am completely overwhelmed.  I wonder if any of you feel that way?  I wish my house would stay clean for more than a second but I have surrendered to reality.  Besides, there are much more important matters to tend to. As the day rolled on, so did the chaos.  Making my way to our room, exhausted and doubting everything about my mothering skills I found a precious gift on the mirror. My heart smiled big.  I just wanted to scoop up that sassy little mess and hold her forever.  Of course, she used my favorite lipstick to write her note...I didn't care.  Her name is backwards and her hearts ...

Hey everyone!  I hope you have a wonderful, loooong weekend!  We are doing a yard sale here and it is so nice to purge unnecessary items and reclaim some space.  I can't even tell you how awesome it feels.  I would love to hear what all you have planned... I don't have much to say tonight but I was hoping that you would do me a favor.  I have an assignment due in a week that I need your help on - I am supposed to take a survey with only one question to be answered: What is your biggest struggle in life?   What hurts your heart in the still of the night?  I need raw, honest answers.  I know this can be difficult so rather than asking people in person I thought it might be better to ask here.  This is what I would like for you to do:  You are always welcome to call me if you would like to share with me personally and I can pray for you and you can pray for me.  You can send me a personal email that wi...

Curled beneath a heavy, woolen blanket, her flesh pressed hard against the cool wall; listening to the drops fall against the pane, she inhales as much as her frail lungs will allow, savoring the sweet aroma.  Clinching the blanket tighter against her chest... she remembers...remembers days gone by.  Dark clouds hover with sadness.  Foreboding spirits take residence within.  As tears fall from the heavens... tears fall from her pale, worn face...saturating the blanket wrapped around her corpse like frame.  "Does He see me?"  She wonders.  Fear and doubt rage within her soul.  Skin covered bone slowly reaches for the cup of tea by her side.  I wince as she presses it to her lips; such agony.  How long must she suffer?  With eyes tightly clinched - engulfed in this torment - hope seems lost.  Then she hears...birds chirping their praises to her Savior...

Deep in the night, I was awakened by her desperate pleas for help.  Before my eyes could open her furnace filled hands grabbed hold of my arm, shaking me with urgency.  "Mommy wake up!  Something is wrong, I can't open my eyes.  Help me!  Please, help me!"  Fear and desperation trembled through her raspy voice.  Eyes matted shut.  This had never happened before.  Leading her to the edge of the tub she sat patiently... waiting for my help.  A cool, damp cloth caressed her face.  Slowly wiping away the scales that kept her eyes from opening and the fever that burned inside.  In time, it began to wipe away the fear and worry displayed.  Holding her chin within my palm..I shook my head... my heart was troubled.  Why did she fear so?  Why was she so uncertain?  Didn't she know I would help her...always.  Huge hazel eyes once again could see, no longer blinded by her circumstance.  Pe...

A peculiar pair these two... The door burst open with excitement, as tiny feet ran into the house screeching to a halt before crossing the kitchen threshold.  Calmly walking toward me with hands behind back...I knew something was up.  With outstretched hands and loving hearts I was given a simple bouquet. The boy - crowned with soft, fine strands of crimson gently woven through threads of gold.  Fair skinned with specks of brown sugar splattered about his face.  Penetrating blue eyes mysterious and sincere.  He captivates me with his wit, brilliance and charm.  Never still...not even for a moment.  A soul filled with wonder and curiosity - life becomes an unending adventure.  Where there is mischief he is sure to be it's source.  Laughter erupts as water balloons fall from his fingertips bursting upon my back as I mop the floor below.  His mind ever moving, thinking and ...

What God Has Promised God has not promised Skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways All our lives thro’; God has not promised Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain. God has not promised We shall not know Toil and temptation, Trouble and woe; He has not told us We shall not bear Many a burden, Many a care. But God has promised Strength for the day, Rest for the laborer, Light for the way, Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, Undying love.  - Annie Johnson Flint - Until then... Jessie