Rise and Swine

Christmas would have no meaning...without Easter WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Until then... Jessie 

Almost 14 years have passed, but the calendar is still marked for today - his birthday.  I was twenty-one when the angels took him.  It's been more than a decade, yet that moment of time seems frozen.  Pain that is healed, pain that is raw reside together within my heart; memories that seem like yesterday and memories that seem a lifetime ago.  Still every year, there on my calendar, marks the day of his birth.  His birth, his life, is what I celebrate.  Born in the season of miracles, yet his death taught me great lessons that I don't want to forget. His title: Grandfather.  However, the empty room he filled was the one reserved for my daddy.  From the very moment of my being we were inseparable.  He was my constant.  My security.  My protector.  My world.  I was his joy.  The apple of his eye.  His life.  Never did I doubt his love for me.  Never did I doubt his love for Jesus or othe...

On a snowy December eve, we journey across town, me and this firstborn of mine. We climb the steep stone of this church stamped 1912.  Once inside, the view is breathtaking.  Hand-carved mahogany pews line the sides.  Flashing headlights dance through the panes of arched stained glass.  Hand-formed faces pier down at me, from atop the mighty columns.  In awe of the architectural beauty that surrounds, I can't help but wonder how many prints have touched this stone?  The memories these walls contain...memories of joy and laughter...pain and sorrow...moments when hearts were touched by the divine...and moments when humanity fell upon their faces in light of Him. A college paper is the reason we've come.  My son, frantically taking notes.  I hear it - Heaven speaking.  Quickly whisking the notepad from his lap, I scribble out this post.  A reserved Greek woman steps upon the platform.  Her stature small, yet she co...

I did say I wanted duck for Christmas dinner...not quite what I had in mind... Luella and Ethel I present our newest additions.  Yes, they are sitting on my leather sofa!  The kids and my hubby thought they would enjoy it.  I was not as eager to accommodate...all I can say is... THANK GOODNESS it's leather.  I wasn't completely heartless, after their bath, I did allow them to stay in the house until they dried out and warmed up a bit.  However, by the end of the evening, I made sure they were in the barn snuggled up with the goats.  If it had been left to the kids, I would have been sharing my bed with these two quackers! =) They are incredibly sweet and we already got our first egg! Hope your day is blessed! Until then... Jessie

I don't know about you, but I am done with turkey.  The thought of another turkey sandwich makes my skin crawl...but we still have a lot left!  Anyone else feeling the same?  Well, the great thing about left-over turkey, is that it can be transformed into almost any recipe that calls for chicken and since it's already cooked it saves time.  I love anything that saves me time!  Here is the recipe that we'll be having for dinner tomorrow. Hope y'all enjoy! White Chicken Chili 1/2 of  a whole chicken, cooked, shredded 2 large onions, chopped fine 2 Tablespoons olive oil 2 (16 oz.) bags navy, or great northern beans 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth (or homemade) 2 (4oz.) cans green chilies or 4 fresh roasted chilies 3 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. pepper 1 1/2 c. sour cream 1 c. 1/2 and 1/2 Rinse beans; cover with water and cook in crockpot (on low) overnight.  Continue cooking until s...

Gratefulness.  One simple word that will transform a life... When those you love are ripped away...When the storms of life blow through... it can leave you despairing, lonely, angry.  Some days it can be a struggle to keep breathing...unless we choose to see our blessings.  Will you join me today?  It would be such an encouragement to me and many others if you would share what you've been blessed with...ALL things... not just those we see as 'good'. God is good - always.  Even when we can't see through the storm...there is still a rainbow waiting on the other side.  Today...together...lets give praise. Her wheat bread recipe still marked with her handwriting The way she pulls the hair from her lips on a windy afternoon Her Chocolate Almond Biscotti Gentle arms that wrapped me...as I sobbed the day my world fell apart Protective hands that envelope mine A sweater that still holds the slig...

I wake to the stillness.  Beyond the glass frame the trees bend low...still in a slumber blanketed in heavy powder.  The constant creaking of the rocker is the only sound resonating within these walls.  I watch through the frame as creation begins to wake.  The sun rises slowly as if she's in the midst of a slow yawn but my heart doesn't rise with her.  It's low... cloaked with heaviness like the trees outside my window. The day was rushed like many others with too many things to do.  Coffee in hand I stumbled my way to the blinking screen.  With one click I was bombarded with messages all pressing for my immediate attention.  Quickly I scanned through...one was from a good friend I haven't heard from for a long time.  With anticipation I began to read.  The words slapped harshly against my cold heart.  "You always put Jesus first."  No!  No, I don't.  I wanted to scream, but the sting left me speechl...

Look what I found... Freezing... starving...alone...I couldn't just leave.  My hubby saw my look when he almost hit one with the car and being the wonderful man he is - he helped me catch them so we could bring them home.  Who knew trying to catch 3 frail kittens would exhaust us. =)   Until then... Jessie

Hey y'all it's been a long time... I don't know about you, but 'round here it seems like October has just flown by.  I haven't blogged once this month! I can't wait for things to slow down.  We've been so busy with construction, school, and canning there hasn't been much time for anything else.  I keep telling myself it's just for a season.  I'm trying to be thankful for each moment instead of being overwhelmed...sometimes.. that's a hard thing to do. =) Tomorrow will be a big day for us!  We're supposed to wake to our first substantial snowfall of the season.  The kids couldn't be more thrilled.  Of course, this drastic change in weather meant lots of preparation for today.  Making up some yummy treats was top of the list. =)  We attempted to prepare the yard for winter although we didn't quite finish. *sigh*  However we did get school done, clean all the animal pens, pick up the house, dig out all the ...

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