How Firm a Foundation

 ~ Emmanuel College ~

Dave and I were doing errands last week and as we slowed for traffic, saw this bus. Many decades ago, I attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA. It's a Pentecostal Holiness college and, back then, wasn't accredited nor was it a four year college. Going to EC wasn't my idea, it was Mom's idea. She wanted me to be in a safe environment, at least safer than she perceived VA Commonwealth University to be in downtown Richmond. I wasn't even out of my teens and perceived myself to be...I'm not even sure now what my perceptions were but I wanted to attend VCU. Mom said, "no". If you're going to college, you're going to EC and so I did but not happily.

EC was, then, quite very extremely strict. Girls couldn't leave campus unless they were in pairs, girls couldn't wear pants unless in gym class or on the athletic field, students couldn't date unless it was approved and the girls dorm mother, Miss Law, was stern and a bit rigid took her duties seriously, very seriously. To show you how much it's changed, click here. You see that boy and girl, back to back, leaning against each other? No way would that have happened "back in the day" much less been made public! That was waaaaayyyyy too much public physical contact!

If you're wondering why Mom chose EC, it's because of her Daddy. He was a Pentecostal Holiness circuit rider preacher and, each Sunday, would minister to a different country church. Some times I'd be allowed to go with him...how exciting!... and well remember him receiving a dozen fresh eggs or, at Christmas, perhaps a ham and these gifts, sometimes often, in lieu of money. Times were more difficult and money less available but people were generous with what they had and they had food. He was a fine man, a Godly man, a man after God's own heart and still missed by all who knew him. He could play the violin and banjo and I like to think of him in the heavenly's playing his instruments for God's glory.

My heritage, both physical and spiritual, is rich, rich, rich. My people are Appalachian, for many, many generations and came here via Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England. On both sides of the family preachers are in abundance and Granddaddy Samp, another fine fiddle player, was the first minister in Webster County, WV.

And now? Now, I'm so glad I went to EC and wish I'd stayed the entire two years. I didn't. I went home after the first year and, eventually, was graduated from VCU. I'm not unhappy about any of it but do wish I'd made different decisions. God has protected me from my bad decisions, down through the years, and I just shake my head at the wonder of it all. Bless His name.

What's your heritage? Where do you go and what do you do when times get hard? Times will, you know...get hard. The Good Book says so but it also says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you". I cling to that promise and all His promises. The Bible also says it's impossible for God to lie so cling to His promises, all of them. Remind Him, daily, of His promises and not because He needs reminding but because you we do. All of us need to be reminded and the best way to to read the Good Book, daily. Trust Jesus, it's the only way you'll get through life with any hope of heavenly eternity.

Rebecca Writes hosts a grateful November and today always, my heart is grateful for God's promises. They are my soul preserver, bless His name forever.

Blessings ~ KJV Bible ~ God's promises ~ Rebecca ~ EC ~ VCU ~ Godly family ~ Appalachia ~
 
Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Veterans Day 2010

 ~ ready for winter ~

Today is Veteran's Day, formerly known as Armistice Day and set to honor the end of WWI which took place November 11, 1918. In 1954 the word "Armistice" was struck and the word "Veterans" added to honor all those who had fought in all USA wars. 

 "In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." 

~ Jose Narosky ~

There are 21 million living veterans and the last living WWI US soldier is Frank Buckles, who served in WWI. Next year, Mr. Buckles story will be told: Pershing's Last Patriot. Thank you, Mr. Buckles, and thanks to all our veterans; I'm proud of each and every one of you, especially those in my family. Thank you for serving!

 

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. 

But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. 

If you must steal, steal away from bad company. 

If you must cheat, cheat death. 

And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

~ unknown ~

Rebecca Writes is hosting, for the fifth year, a November of gratitude. My grateful heart includes all our veterans, past and present. Without you, there would be no freedom in the USA.

Blessings ~ veterans ~ fire wood ~ loved ones ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Dribs and Drabs

 ~ cozy mornings ~

Usually, the dogs and I are early morning risers; this morning we left the warmth of our bed at 5 a.m. They go outside, most of the time, as I'm making coffee and readying early morning dog treats, then, we all go into the sun room where the gas logs are lit and I read my Bible. Lately, it's been Job; always welcome and, these days, speaking directly to my heart like an arrow from the sling of the Almighty.

~ Canada geese ~

Almost every day, we see huge flocks of Canada geese, not Canadian geese as that's entirely incorrect. There are times the flock can be counted but, usually, they are too numerous. They have flown so close overhead I can hear the "whomp, whomp, whomp" of their wings and the absolute wildness of it all, stirs my heart and makes me want to jump into the air like a child playing chase. It is that restless longing for true freedom, only to be found in God, for which I long and seek.

As St. Augustine said, "GREAT art Thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Thy power, and of Thy wisdom there is no end. And man, being a part of Thy creation, desires to praise Thee, man, who bears about with him his mortality, the witness of his sin, even the witness that Thou "resistest the proud,"(2) -- yet man, this part of Thy creation, desires to praise Thee. Thou movest us to delight in praising Thee; for Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee? Lord, teach me to know and understand which of these should be first, to call on Thee, or to praise Thee; and likewise to know Thee, or to call upon Thee. But who is there that calls upon Thee without knowing Thee? For he that knows Thee not may call upon Thee as other than Thou art. Or perhaps we call on Thee that we may know Thee. "But how shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? or how shall they believe without a preacher?"(5) And those who seek the Lord shall praise Him. For those who seek shall find Him,(7) and those who find Him shall praise Him. Let me seek Thee, Lord, in calling on Thee, and call on Thee in believing in Thee; for Thou hast been preached unto us. O Lord, my faith calls on Thee,--that faith which Thou hast imparted to me, which Thou hast breathed into me through the incarnation of Thy Son, through the ministry of Thy preacher."

Are you familiar with the browser Mozilla Firefox? In a word, it's fabulous! Dave is the high tech geek around here and he found and installed Firefox for us. I wasn't too thrilled one way or the other, as long as the computer will boot up and take me where I want to go, I'm a happy camper. With Firefox, if the font on a particular page is too small, just click Control and the + sign at the same time. The font will enlarge each time you click! If the font is too large, click on Control and the - sign and the font size decreases. Is that cool or what? Another thing...Firefox has wonderful themes that appear around the edges of your screen. Right now, I'm looking at Aslan, peering rather majestically at me over the top of my g-mail. Okay, it's not really Aslan but he is a majestic lion and, as I love Narnia, I pretend it's Aslan. Does my heart good too, knowing Aslan is right here with me both in spirit and on the screen. 

Is it just me and Sarah Palin or have you noticed grocery store prices are, just about, through the roof? Do you know about the National Inflation Association? It's all about "preparing Americans for hyperinflation" and if you're a person, such as I, who best understands things put rather simply, go read some of the articles. Be sure your shoes are tightly tied as you're about to be frightened out of your socks! Food price projections are strikingly obscene! Forecasts of +$23 for a pound and half loaf of bread or +$45 for a 64 ounce container of orange juice...YIKES! Other forecast include, by the end of this decade which is not so very far in the future, a plain white cotton men's tee shirt costing more than $55 at Wal-Mart. NIA expectations are all retailers will soon substantially raise food prices and at the same time, this "will ensure that this Holiday shopping season will be the worst in recorded American history." I urge everyone to run to the grocery and make purchases now, while we can still afford to buy! Stock up on beans, rice and the basics; learn to cook from scratch, prepare yourselves and your families, as best you can, for what is to come.

"Why," you ask, "is this happening?" Because the Federal Reserve has announced they will implement $600 Billion in additional quantitative easing by end of June 2011. Simply put, they keep printing money and that causes inflation! Quite effectively, it steals from the purchasing power of income and savings of ALL of us! As the NIA puts it, "While Americans are distracted by the mainstream media with daily debates by the Democrats and Republicans about taxes, U.S. taxes have almost no where near the effect on the lives of middle class Americans as does the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and quantitative easing. Instead of millions of Americans attending "tea party" events in Washington with Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin, they should be marching outside of the Federal Reserve building in New York chanting "End the Fed"."

Works for me, ending big government.The Republicans have announced they will attempt to "stop the pork". Now you and I both know, that's not going to happen, not in a million lifetimes but what they, Dems and Republicans, can do is "end the Fed". That's probably not going to happen either but a woman can dream, can't she? I dream of change, real change, and I don't mean chump change either.

~ eye candy ~

These are perilous times and the blessing/curse "may you live in interesting times" is certainly true. In keeping with Rebecca Writes, my heart is grateful that even though I live in interesting times, my times are in God's hands. It is He who holds sway over me and not man. Man may mean it for evil but God is able to work it for His good. Bless His name forever.

Blessings ~ the view from each window ~ Aslan ~ St. Augustine ~ Canada geese ~ cozy fire ~ faith ~ seeking ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

In One Day

 ~ first snow ~

It's been a warm autumn and we still have flowers blooming on protected porches although, in one day, I took photos of beautiful blooms and snow. I wonder if this is an indication of the coming winter?

~ still blooming ~

 ~ summer gifts ~

Each summer, humming birds use horse hair to make their nests. God has blessed me with four of these tiny wonders and I keep them in a squirrel's nest tucked into a small basket.

~ a table full of God's provisions ~

Recently, we were able to eat at Mother and Daddy's, joined by my Beloved Sistah, her son and her husband. Mom prepared beans and corn from their garden, apples from our tree, potatoes from my brother's garden, carrots from a friend's garden and hamburger meat loaf from a small, family owned WV slaughter house. The rolls were from Tavern on the Rail Restaurant and the butter and tea were store bought. One subject we spoke about...wonder how many people are eating this close to home tonight? Wonder if most people are eating fast food, prepared food, store bought food?

Mom and Daddy have almost always had a garden; Daddy would work the garden and Mom would can the food and taught me to can the summer I was thirteen. I found some fox grapes, large white grapes, and Mom told me if I picked a goodly amount, she'd teach me how to make grape jelly. All she had to do was say the word! I picked enough for a couple dozen jars of jelly and we had that good grape jelly all winter long. It was delicious and, as you can see, memorable. I've been canning, freezing and drying food ever since and feel rather proud when I walk into the pantry and see how well we're prepared for winter.

How about you? Do you prepare for the winter? How? What is it you do to prepare yourself and your family for hard times? Certainly putting by food is one way; delving into the Good Book is another. Don't rely on someone else to feed you; rely on yourself. Take what God provides and put by for hard times because, I assure you, hard times are coming; with God's help, you can be prepared.

A grateful heart include God's word and reading it every day. The Holy Spirit comforts in so many ways and one, very important, way is to bring Bible verses to me as the need arises. By daily reading the Bible, I find my mind and heart are able to find peace, eventually, by focusing on His promises. It's all I have, His promises, and it's all I need.


Blessings ~ KJV Bible ~ God's promises ~ winter ~ a full pantry and freezer ~ blooms ~ gardens ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Sabbath Keeping

~ the summer view from my window ~

 Then Job replied:

  “Even today my complaint is bitter;
   his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
 If only I knew where to find him;
   if only I could go to his dwelling!
 I would state my case before him
   and fill my mouth with arguments.
 I would find out what he would answer me,
   and consider what he would say to me.
 Would he vigorously oppose me?
   No, he would not press charges against me.
 There the upright can establish their innocence before him,
   and there I would be delivered forever from my judge.

 “But if I go to the east, he is not there;
   if I go to the west, I do not find him.
 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;
   when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
 But he knows the way that I take;
   when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
 My feet have closely followed his steps;
   I have kept to his way without turning aside.
 I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
   I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

 “But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?
   He does whatever he pleases.
 He carries out his decree against me,
   and many such plans he still has in store.
 That is why I am terrified before him;
   when I think of all this, I fear him.  God has made my heart faint;
   the Almighty has terrified me.
 Yet I am not silenced by the darkness,
   by the thick darkness that covers my face.

A grateful heart for Job's story; it reminds us in dark times there is God's light.


Blessings ~ prayer ~


Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Daily Duties

 ~ Sadie-pup ~

We've been so blessed with fabulous dogs and Sadie is no exception. She'll be two in March so is still a puppy, albeit a rather large puppy, playing and romping with the abandon of an animal who knows she's loved unconditionally. She's trained, but not as well as she will be; she obeys, but not as good well as she eventually will. As an aside...earlier, Sadie was half in my lap when I was typing and I kept saying "good girl, good girl" and now you know I don't multi-task as well as some -smile-. I'm rather laid back when it comes to training. Sadie won't be a show dog, although you can see she has star potential, rather she'll be a companion, protector of humans, home and farm. If she proves to be like Shaddie, her predecessor, she'll be excellent at her jobs.

 ~ Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent Dawg ~

 Very seriously, Sam takes his protection detail and is, generally, to be found wandering the perimeter, on guard. "Hey! You looking at ME?"

~ Abbie ~

 Abbie, now a senior citizen, watches from the couch. She's earned her rest although she's always first one out the door when it's time to do chores.

It's a rainy, cold, windy day and we're keeping close to the fire. Chores are finished, for the morning anyway, and house cleaning is planned both because it's needed and because it warms me. When I was visiting Mama Craft a few days ago, I noticed the following on her blog. It's worth repeating because it also warms me and, I believe, there would be much more happiness in this frosty world if this sage advice were heeded. Is it just me or does there seem to be a, rather severe, preoccupation with one's self these days? Frankly, my "self", and the selves of others, usually aren't all that interesting. What we do is very interesting, but not because we do it, but because it brings joy to others and joy...Jesus first, others second, your self last...is what brings us closer to Him.

"The best things in life are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, 

flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. 

Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, 

certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life."  

~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~

My heart is grateful for daily duties, home made bread, hot soup...food of both the physical and spiritual kind..., rain for a thirsty earth, oncoming winter and God's strength, mercy and grace. He alone knows how much we'll need in the coming days.

Blessings ~ JOY ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Daily Commute

 ~ sheep treat ~

The local WalMart, only fifteen miles across two mountains, has pumpkins for fifty cents. What a bargain so I bought four and brought them home to cut up for the sheep. They like pumpkin and it's a good treat for them...full of the same vitamins and nutrients our bodies ingest and it pleases me to please them. I like to think I'm a good steward of what God has entrusted to me. Dave certainly thinks so as everything on this place is a trifle fleshy. "Best", I say, "to have a little too much flesh than too little. If one becomes sick, the little extra flesh means weight can be lost without too much danger whereas, if one is too thin, it's a faster slide." That's what I tell myself anyway -smile-.

 ~ Run, turkeys, RUN! ~

Today I traveled the one lane, dirt road and saw a large flock of turkeys. I counted seventeen and think there were more. I pulled over to take photos and turned the car engine off; the rustling of turkeys walking through the brush was loud and you could hear them, softly, chirruping to each other. It was, in a word, delightful.

~ one lane bridge ~

It was a lovely day for a drive. Heck, any day I wake up on the top side of the flower bed is a lovely day. This one lane bridge crosses the same river we crossed a few weeks ago when we did the Paint Lick ride. So much fun, so many good memories.

~ daily commute ~

In our agricultural, rural community horses are still used to round up cattle and sheep. Most of the neighbors have ATV's as well and it's a common sight to see them riding to and fro, to one pasture then another to do chores, check to see how many calves have been born, etc. My commute doesn't require the use of an ATV as I walk to the studio or farm office, dogs running ahead, to do whatever is on the day's agenda.

It's not a good life; it's a great life!

Today I'm grateful for clean air and a wonderful drive over the mountains. To see a flock of wild turkeys is a gift, to have a healthy flock of sheep is a gift, to have healthy horses, dogs and cats is a gift and I'm grateful for all. God has blessed me well beyond my deserving and my heart is grateful.

Blessings ~ wild turkeys ~ healthy animals ~ one lane bridges ~ dirt roads ~ pumpkins ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

A Full clothesline

 ~ grateful hearts unite ~

As yesterday's post ended, a grateful heart was mentioned. I said it was my intent to end each November post with something my heart held in gratitude. And, so I did. Later in the day, traveling around the i-net, I visited Mama Craft who led me to Walk A Mile who, in turn, led me to Rebecca Writes. From there, my journey went to Lisa Notes where she's made the above beautiful button for folks to use.

Rebecca, for the past five years, has "declared November to be the month of Thanksgiving at Rebecca Writes!" As the Preacher said, "there's nothing new under the sun" and were I to not express humility at this point, would say, "great minds think alike." Unfortunately, as my great mind is just now coming around to express a grateful heart in November, I think the word great is, rightfully, stricken from the record.

Ahem.

You are encouraged to join in. Rebecca is posting every day but that's not a criteria. All you have to have is a grateful heart and be willing to say so in every November post.

 ~ blooming iris ~

 My days have been full of efforts produced in the studio. The above panel was doubled, turned right sides together and sew about ninety percent of the way 'round. Then, it was "birthed", meaning it was turned inside out and the opening then hand stitched closed. About two inches from every side, it was sewn on the ole Featherweight in order to produce a nice, mostly even, hem. This is going, I think, to someone whose birthday is next week. I've another fleece throw to sew so it's going to be a toss-up between the two; the one that doesn't go for the birthday gift will be sold at the Christmas Faire.

~ thundering herd ~

Fleece is, as you may know, a petroleum product and High Flammable! It always bothers me to use fleece but it's so warm and cozy that I reserve using it for adults only; rarely do I use it for children. The above "thundering herd" is going to a friend who is an encourager. There aren't many in this frosty world and if you have an encourager, or three, in your life, you are blessed indeed!

~ tri-shawl ~

This acrylic tri-shawl is perfect for a smaller woman or child. A lot of my knitted shawls are made in acrylic as it's easy care, easy wear with no need to worry about natural fiber allergies. Yes, it's bright but as we're going into the shortened days of winter, brightness is a plus.

~ scarves! ~

At church, someone told me when they think of me they think of hats and scarves. I wear dresses or skirts to church, always, and find a nice scarf adds a statement, as does a hat but my summer hats far outnumber my winter hats. My winter hats tend to be hand knitted affairs designed for warmth; I lost the ego some time back. The two scarves on the left are fabric, the third from the left is a knitted woolen blend spiral and the red scarf is my wild child. I love knitting scarves, or even shawls, that make a statement. Every so often there will be someone who isn't afraid to wear them but, unfortunately, so many women think it's too bold and shy away. So sad.

There hasn't been any studio time today; time has been taken up with town errands and voting. Please God, let men and women after your own heart who walk the walk be elected. Those folks who talk the talk only and have been in office for decades need to find gainful employment. They have forgotten, if they ever knew, what real work entailed. They have, for far too long, sucked at the government teat and have become their own masters. They do not serve but strive to make servants slaves of the rest of us.

If you are a Bible believing, man and woman after God's own heart who is in agony over the direction our country has taken and the, so-called, leadership, my heart goes out to you. You, dear saints, who read God's word and speak to Him daily, who strive mightily to do as His word commands and not as you "feel" is right are to be commended. You put aside yourselves and seek to make Him greater and that's not easy to do in this frosty world. Recently, I've been blasted by people who think I'm old-fashioned and out of touch because I  believe what God's Word says...radical indeed! One woman told me she was glad "we each have our own opinions" and I told her "our opinions don't mean spit, it's what the Word of God says that we should agree upon. I am sorry my words angered her but not sorry I said what I said yet, it would seem tolerance is given only when two are in agreement -wry grin-. It's a frosty world and even we Christians have trouble getting along. If we have such troubles in the here and now, what bodes for eternity? I'm sure God's great heart is grieved and I ask forgiveness for my part in grieving Him.

Now, perhaps you understand why my studio receives so much of my time...? I am grateful to have my little studio, my sewing machines, my cutting table, material, scissors, measuring tapes and a modicum of talent to make things to give away and, sometimes, sell. I am grateful for the work of my hands and heart that, sometimes, brings comfort to others. I am grateful God brings into my life folks who are in need of encouragement in the physical form, in the form of a scarf, shawl, quilt or throw.


Blessings ~ Sara ~ Beth ~ Rebecca ~ Lisa ~ You ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Vintage and Christmas is coming...

 ~ hand made Christmas stockings ~

"Oh, good grief", I can just hear you saying. She's not one of those people, is she? And, the answer is, "not really." I don't count the days from 26 December until Christmas, nor do I frequent Christmas shops, but I do make a lot of Christmas gifts as well as buy out of season. Heck, in this any economy, it's the only way to afford Christmas. I've never been one to spend extravagantly but I do enjoy buying something rather grand at a sales price.

Selina, of Selina's Vintage, hosted a Christmas stocking swap and allowed me to participate, thus the wild tear on making stockings. My swap stocking was air mailed last week and I do hope it's well received. In younger days, I had...hmmm...not so good experiences, shall I put it, with my home economics teacher and my confidence levels aren't very high. At least, not when it comes to making and giving away things. My concern is, my swap partners will be some seamstress or knitter or crafter extraordinaire and will look, askance, at my humble offering made with love and prayers.

Now that I'm thinking about it, my experiences with my six grade art teacher wasn't very good either. On the other hand, I've had some fabulous English teachers; a Mrs. Ruby Osborne comes to mind as well as a couple of other most excellent teachers. Perhaps unfortunately, the rest have fallen into the memory abyss and I refuse to try and dredge them to the forefront. Let the dead stay buried is my motto.

 ~ stocking trims ~

Anyway, back to the stockings. Thus far I've made six and still have, perhaps, another six to make. They will be offered for sale at an upcoming Christmas Festival and, if they don't sell, will be given to family and friends after being stuffed with goodies. Each stocking has batting, is lined with muslin and quilted while the tops are all finished with binding or lace or bobble trim. Sometimes the thread is contrasting and sometimes it blends. One was made with the material upside down and has already found an owner who claims her life is just as topsy turvy. Re-thinking here...perhaps I should have kept that one for myself -smile-.

~ Moroccan silk ~

While in my studio, this basket of hand reeled Moroccan silk rests on the sewing machine. Thus far, I've yet to actually use any but simply look at all the brilliant colors and think of the sheer labor that produced such beauty.  I also remember those lovely trips Dave and I have taken to Morocco; one of my favorite countries in the entire world!

~ candle ~

Last week we were in Richmond and I visited a thrift store or three. I'm so blessed because when I visit thrift stores, I'm engaging in satisfying my wants and not my needs and, often, find fun, useful things. This "newel post" is, in reality, a candle and will look fabulous on our back porch as guests arrive for our Christmas party. You bet, it's going to be lit unless there's a sturdy wind and then will be brought inside and used as table decoration.

~ Thermos ~

This Thermos is still in working order and will provide cool refreshment next summer. It needs to be cleaned as it's a bit grungy from being so well loved used but it still provides plenty of vintage cuteness, don't you think?

Here's hoping your needs have been answered and you're working on your wants -smile-.

One last thing - for every post in November, I want to share a grateful heart. For this first November post, I'm grateful for Dave. When we met in 1989, little did I know God was putting my feet on the path to an adventurous life! Little did I know, what a gift He gave me, and continues to give me, in Dave. My life has been blessed well beyond my deserving and I am over the moon grateful.


Blessings ~ vintage ~ Christmas ~ Selina ~ stockings ~ a beautiful day ~ Dave ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Sabbath Keeping

 ~ the Word for today ~

"There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft; or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you." ~ Deuteronomy 18:10-12 ~

"If your religion doesn't teach you the difference between good and evil, 

your religion is worse than useless." ~ Dennis Prager ~

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ~ Ephesians 6: 12 ~

~ Spiritual Sundays ~

Blessings ~ Reformation ~ Holy Bible ~ God ~
 
Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Happy Reformation

 ~ readying for winter ~

Are you familiar with the Reformation? If you're a Christian, please accept my wishes for you to have, and celebrate, a true holiday...a holy day known as the Reformation.

Here on the farm, we don't "celebrate" halloweenie because it's not a holiday...not a holy day. I've never been a fan of death, dieing and destruction; I'm a child of Light and celebrate Life and choose not to associate with nor decorate with things signifying death and destruction. Why on earth would any sane human being, deliberately, invite such into their lives? Nor, have I ever understood the "need" some folks have to watch horror movies and be frightened out of their minds. I just don't understand but, to be truthful, haven't spent a whole lot of time trying to figure it out. I'm tolerant, just don't want the sordid mess at my doorstep.

Dr. Martin Luther, on October 31, 1517 posted his 95 Theses or Disputation Against Indulgences on the castle door and mailed same to various local Catholic bishops and, forever, changed the Catholic church's stronghold on the Christian faith. Luther taught that salvation through acceptance of Jesus Christ is a free gift solely through the grace of God and cannot be purchased with money nor earned through good deeds. In effect, Dr. Martin Luther challenged Pope Leo X and the entire Catholic church and further stated the Bible should be in German, the language of the people and not, solely, in Latin, the language of the Catholic church. Just thirty years before Luther's birth, Johannes Gutenberg invited printing from movable type and, it's been said, Gutenberg's invention allowed Martin Luther to "throw ink at the devil".

Radical thinking.

So, Happy Reformation. Because of a monk's great courage almost five hundred years ago, you and I have salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Alone. Not because it can be purchased with filthy lucre nor earned by doing good works.

Radical thinking. Even more radical to accept.

95 Theses of Dr. Martin Luther

"Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.
In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite (Repent), willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance. 2. This word cannot be understood to mean sacramental penance, i.e., confession and satisfaction, which is administered by the priests. 3. Yet it means not inward repentance only; nay, there is no inward repentance which does not outwardly work divers mortifications of the flesh. 4. The penalty [of sin], therefore, continues so long as hatred of self continues; for this is the true inward repentance, and continues until our entrance into the kingdom of heaven. 5. The pope does not intend to remit, and cannot remit any penalties other than those which he has imposed either by his own authority or by that of the Canons. 6. The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring that it has been remitted by God and by assenting to God's remission; though, to be sure, he may grant remission in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in such cases were despised, the guilt would remain entirely unforgiven. 7. God remits guilt to no one whom He does not, at the same time, humble in all things and bring into subjection to His vicar, the priest. 8. The penitential canons are imposed only on the living, and, according to them, nothing should be imposed on the dying. 9. Therefore the Holy Spirit in the pope is kind to us, because in his decrees he always makes exception of the article of death and of necessity. 10. Ignorant and wicked are the doings of those priests who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penances for purgatory. 11. This changing of the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory is quite evidently one of the tares that were sown while the bishops slept. 12. In former times the canonical penalties were imposed not after, but before absolution, as tests of true contrition. 13. The dying are freed by death from all penalties; they are already dead to canonical rules, and have a right to be released from them. 14. The imperfect health [of soul], that is to say, the imperfect love, of the dying brings with it, of necessity, great fear; and the smaller the love, the greater is the fear. 15. This fear and horror is sufficient of itself alone (to say nothing of other things) to constitute the penalty of purgatory, since it is very near to the horror of despair. 16. Hell, purgatory, and heaven seem to differ as do despair, almost-despair, and the assurance of safety. 17. With souls in purgatory it seems necessary that horror should grow less and love increase. 18. It seems unproved, either by reason or Scripture, that they are outside the state of merit, that is to say, of increasing love. 19. Again, it seems unproved that they, or at least that all of them, are certain or assured of their own blessedness, though we may be quite certain of it. 20. Therefore by "full remission of all penalties" the pope means not actually "of all," but only of those imposed by himself. 21. Therefore those preachers of indulgences are in error, who say that by the pope's indulgences a man is freed from every penalty, and saved; 22. Whereas he remits to souls in purgatory no penalty which, according to the canons, they would have had to pay in this life. 23. If it is at all possible to grant to any one the remission of all penalties whatsoever, it is certain that this remission can be granted only to the most perfect, that is, to the very fewest. 24. It must needs be, therefore, that the greater part of the people are deceived by that indiscriminate and highsounding promise of release from penalty. 25. The power which the pope has, in a general way, over purgatory, is just like the power which any bishop or curate has, in a special way, within his own diocese or parish. 26. The pope does well when he grants remission to souls [in purgatory], not by the power of the keys (which he does not possess), but by way of intercession. 27. They preach man who say that so soon as the penny jingles into the money-box, the soul flies out [of purgatory]. 28. It is certain that when the penny jingles into the money-box, gain and avarice can be increased, but the result of the intercession of the Church is in the power of God alone. 29. Who knows whether all the souls in purgatory wish to be bought out of it, as in the legend of Sts. Severinus and Paschal. 30. No one is sure that his own contrition is sincere; much less that he has attained full remission. 31. Rare as is the man that is truly penitent, so rare is also the man who truly buys indulgences, i.e., such men are most rare. 32. They will be condemned eternally, together with their teachers, who believe themselves sure of their salvation because they have letters of pardon. 33. Men must be on their guard against those who say that the pope's pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to Him; 34. For these "graces of pardon" concern only the penalties of sacramental satisfaction, and these are appointed by man. 35. They preach no Christian doctrine who teach that contrition is not necessary in those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessionalia. 36. Every truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without letters of pardon. 37. Every true Christian, whether living or dead, has part in all the blessings of Christ and the Church; and this is granted him by God, even without letters of pardon. 38. Nevertheless, the remission and participation [in the blessings of the Church] which are granted by the pope are in no way to be despised, for they are, as I have said, the declaration of divine remission. 39. It is most difficult, even for the very keenest theologians, at one and the same time to commend to the people the abundance of pardons and [the need of] true contrition. 40. True contrition seeks and loves penalties, but liberal pardons only relax penalties and cause them to be hated, or at least, furnish an occasion [for hating them]. 41. Apostolic pardons are to be preached with caution, lest the people may falsely think them preferable to other good works of love. 42. Christians are to be taught that the pope does not intend the buying of pardons to be compared in any way to works of mercy. 43. Christians are to be taught that he who gives to the poor or lends to the needy does a better work than buying pardons; 44. Because love grows by works of love, and man becomes better; but by pardons man does not grow better, only more free from penalty. 45. 45. Christians are to be taught that he who sees a man in need, and passes him by, and gives [his money] for pardons, purchases not the indulgences of the pope, but the indignation of God. 46. Christians are to be taught that unless they have more than they need, they are bound to keep back what is necessary for their own families, and by no means to squander it on pardons. 47. Christians are to be taught that the buying of pardons is a matter of free will, and not of commandment. 48. Christians are to be taught that the pope, in granting pardons, needs, and therefore desires, their devout prayer for him more than the money they bring. 49. Christians are to be taught that the pope's pardons are useful, if they do not put their trust in them; but altogether harmful, if through them they lose their fear of God. 50. Christians are to be taught that if the pope knew the exactions of the pardon-preachers, he would rather that St. Peter's church should go to ashes, than that it should be built up with the skin, flesh and bones of his sheep. 51. Christians are to be taught that it would be the pope's wish, as it is his duty, to give of his own money to very many of those from whom certain hawkers of pardons cajole money, even though the church of St. Peter might have to be sold. 52. The assurance of salvation by letters of pardon is vain, even though the commissary, nay, even though the pope himself, were to stake his soul upon it. 53. They are enemies of Christ and of the pope, who bid the Word of God be altogether silent in some Churches, in order that pardons may be preached in others. 54. Injury is done the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or a longer time is spent on pardons than on this Word. 55. It must be the intention of the pope that if pardons, which are a very small thing, are celebrated with one bell, with single processions and ceremonies, then the Gospel, which is the very greatest thing, should be preached with a hundred bells, a hundred processions, a hundred ceremonies. 56. The "treasures of the Church," out of which the pope. grants indulgences, are not sufficiently named or known among the people of Christ. 57. That they are not temporal treasures is certainly evident, for many of the vendors do not pour out such treasures so easily, but only gather them. 58. Nor are they the merits of Christ and the Saints, for even without the pope, these always work grace for the inner man, and the cross, death, and hell for the outward man. 59. St. Lawrence said that the treasures of the Church were the Church's poor, but he spoke according to the usage of the word in his own time. 60. Without rashness we say that the keys of the Church, given by Christ's merit, are that treasure; 61. For it is clear that for the remission of penalties and of reserved cases, the power of the pope is of itself sufficient. 62. The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God. 63. But this treasure is naturally most odious, for it makes the first to be last. 64. On the other hand, the treasure of indulgences is naturally most acceptable, for it makes the last to be first. 65. Therefore the treasures of the Gospel are nets with which they formerly were wont to fish for men of riches. 66. The treasures of the indulgences are nets with which they now fish for the riches of men. 67. The indulgences which the preachers cry as the "greatest graces" are known to be truly such, in so far as they promote gain. 68. Yet they are in truth the very smallest graces compared with the grace of God and the piety of the Cross. 69. Bishops and curates are bound to admit the commissaries of apostolic pardons, with all reverence. 70. But still more are they bound to strain all their eyes and attend with all their ears, lest these men preach their own dreams instead of the commission of the pope. 71. He who speaks against the truth of apostolic pardons, let him be anathema and accursed! 72. But he who guards against the lust and license of the pardon-preachers, let him be blessed! 73. The pope justly thunders against those who, by any art, contrive the injury of the traffic in pardons. 74. But much more does he intend to thunder against those who use the pretext of pardons to contrive the injury of holy love and truth. 75. To think the papal pardons so great that they could absolve a man even if he had committed an impossible sin and violated the Mother of God -- this is madness. 76. We say, on the contrary, that the papal pardons are not able to remove the very least of venial sins, so far as its guilt is concerned. 77. It is said that even St. Peter, if he were now Pope, could not bestow greater graces; this is blasphemy against St. Peter and against the pope. 78. We say, on the contrary, that even the present pope, and any pope at all, has greater graces at his disposal; to wit, the Gospel, powers, gifts of healing, etc., as it is written in I. Corinthians xii. 79. To say that the cross, emblazoned with the papal arms, which is set up [by the preachers of indulgences], is of equal worth with the Cross of Christ, is blasphemy. 80. The bishops, curates and theologians who allow such talk to be spread among the people, will have an account to render. 81. This unbridled preaching of pardons makes it no easy matter, even for learned men, to rescue the reverence due to the pope from slander, or even from the shrewd questionings of the laity. 82. To wit: -- "Why does not the pope empty purgatory, for the sake of holy love and of the dire need of the souls that are there, if he redeems an infinite number of souls for the sake of miserable money with which to build a Church? The former reasons would be most just; the latter is most trivial." 83. Again: -- "Why are mortuary and anniversary masses for the dead continued, and why does he not return or permit the withdrawal of the endowments founded on their behalf, since it is wrong to pray for the redeemed?" 84. Again: -- "What is this new piety of God and the pope, that for money they allow a man who is impious and their enemy to buy out of purgatory the pious soul of a friend of God, and do not rather, because of that pious and beloved soul's own need, free it for pure love's sake?" 85. Again: -- "Why are the penitential canons long since in actual fact and through disuse abrogated and dead, now satisfied by the granting of indulgences, as though they were still alive and in force?" 86. Again: -- "Why does not the pope, whose wealth is to-day greater than the riches of the richest, build just this one church of St. Peter with his own money, rather than with the money of poor believers?" 87. Again: -- "What is it that the pope remits, and what participation does he grant to those who, by perfect contrition, have a right to full remission and participation?" 88. Again: -- "What greater blessing could come to the Church than if the pope were to do a hundred times a day what he now does once, and bestow on every believer these remissions and participations?" 89. "Since the pope, by his pardons, seeks the salvation of souls rather than money, why does he suspend the indulgences and pardons granted heretofore, since these have equal efficacy?" 90. To repress these arguments and scruples of the laity by force alone, and not to resolve them by giving reasons, is to expose the Church and the pope to the ridicule of their enemies, and to make Christians unhappy. 91. If, therefore, pardons were preached according to the spirit and mind of the pope, all these doubts would be readily resolved; nay, they would not exist. 92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Peace, peace," and there is no peace! 93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Cross, cross," and there is no cross! 94. Christians are to be exhorted that they be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hell; 95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven rather through many tribulations, than through the assurance of peace."

 Blessings ~ brave men and women of God ~ Gutenberg ~ Dr. Martin Luther ~ Christ ~ salvation ~ 

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

St. Patrick

 ~ Samuel, because he comes when called ~

"I arise today, through the strength of heaven: 

Light of the sun, radiance of the moon. 

Splendor of fire, speed of lightning, 

Swiftness of wind, depth of sea,

Stability of earth and firmness of rock.

I arise today, Through God's strength to pilot me:

God's might to uphold me, 

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me.

From the snares of devils, from temptation of vices, 

From everyone who shall wish me ill,

Afar and near, alone and in a multitude."

 ~ Saint Patrick ~ 

This beautiful prayer by Saint Patrick was found on Por Amor Al Arte's blog and speaks eloquently, don't you agree? Please, keep us in your prayers.

Blessings ~ God ~ Jesus Christ ~ Holy Spirit ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

"Secretariat: Out of the gate...and into history"

 ~ American Curly horses ~

 "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?

"Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage..."

 ~ Job 1-4; 19-24 ~

Mercy! Do yourself a favor, as a matter of fact, do the entire family a favor and go see Secretariat ASAP. Sure, you know how it ends. That great horse wins the 1973 Triple Crown becoming the first horse to win since Citation won in 1948. Heck, there have only been eleven horses and riders to do so since the Triple Crown began in 1919 and it's been more than thirty years since Affirmed and Steve Cauthen won in 1978.

It's a movie story about hope and love and believing in something larger than oneself. Penny Chenery, against the advice and will of just about everyone in her life, saved the family farm and, as a hand's on owner, allowed Secretariat to do what was his God-given destiny: run and, she would add, win. It's a joy to watch a horse, especially a running horse and to watch Secretariat on the big screen is to watch the awesome handwork of God Himself. Secretariat was foaled at The Meadow, then the Chenery family horse farm in Doswell, just north of Richmond and now the home of the Virginia State Fair.

Seriously, I can't say enough good things about this movie. In a world gone crazy, then and now, it's filled with hope, love, laughter and joy; it's a wonderful "feel good" movie. I've never bought a DVD when first released but this will be the first, perhaps only, exception. Yep, it's that good!

Blessings ~ hope ~ love ~ laughter ~ joy ~ Secretariat ~ live rejoicing every day...yes, every day! ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Sabbath Keeping

 ~ headwaters of Little River ~

"My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in your weakness." ~ II Corinthians 12:9 ~

"To get alone--to dare to be alone--with God, this, I am persuaded, is one of the best ways of doing anything in the world...If we are ever to be or to do anything, if we are ever to be full of deep, permanent, rational enthusiasm, we must know God. If we are ever to know each other, we must know Him first. ...I believe that we do most for those whom God has begun to teach us to love, not by constantly thinking of their goodness, their grace, their simplicity, but by never thinking of them apart from God, by always connecting their beauty and purity with a higher Beauty and a higher Purity, by seeing God in them. Let us learn to make every thought of admiration and love a kind of prayer of intercession and thanksgiving. Thus human love will correct itself with, and find its root in, divine love. But this we can do only if we are willing to be alone with Him." ~ Forbes Robinson ~

"Grace is what God gives us when we don't deserve and 

mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve." 

"God often comforts us, not by changing the circumstances of our lives, but by changing our attitude toward them."  ~ S. H. B. Masterman ~

 "Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait." 

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

"When spiritual comfort is sent to you by God, take it humbly and give thanks meekly for it. But know for certain that is the great goodness of God that sends it to you, and not because you deserve it."
~ Thomas a Kempis ~

"We ourselves know by experience that there is no place for comfort like the cross. It is a tree stripped of all foliage, and apparently dead; yet we sit under its shadow with great delight, and its fruit is sweet unto our taste." ~ Charles H. Spurgeon ~

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him..." 

~ Psalms 37:7 ~

Blessings ~ grace ~ comfort ~ the cross ~ alone with God ~ the empty tomb ~ mercy ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Paint Lick Ride, October 2010

 ~ youngest driver ~

The Paint Lick Ride had to have drivers, right? This is our youngest driver who is looking none to pleased at having his photo taken. Perhaps it's because his boots are on the wrong feet so his Mother told me. He dressed himself and there was No Talking Him Out Of doing it over. Don't even try, okay?

 ~ going down the mountain ~

 The first two or three miles are on the hard surfaced road and then we turn into a meadow, leading down the mountain to the river. The cows and calves wandered alongside the wagons, following us as we muddle along at a walking speed.

 ~ into the river ~

 Our wagon, the Red wagon, was the second in line so we had a good view of everyone ahead and behind. The river is Maiden Spring, perhaps the Little River at this point, and it's not very deep; the folks lifting their feet are wary of being splashed. Russell, our driver, did a fine job of keeping everyone dry and between the ditches...just the way we wanted it!

~ climbing the next mountain ~

As you can see, the day was beautiful and the weather was absolutely perfect. Long sleeve tee-shirts, jeans and hiking boots were sufficient. One of my riders said, "how far do we hike once we get there?" I looked at him and smiled, "What a nice word, "hike", for what y'all are going to be doing." He looked puzzled so I explained...the last part of the journey is uphill, all the way and part of the way is on shale that's extremely slippery. You won't be hiking as much as you'll be scrambling on all fours. He laughed and said, "bring it on!"

I wouldn't want the other wagon masters to know but I think my riders were the best of the lot. -smile- To a one, they were all engaging, fun, eager and had a great time.

~ ready to storm the mountain ~

Miss Cindy is telling folks what to expect, how long to take, etc. as they prepare to go up the last mountain. We had three guides who were responsible for taking people up and making sure those same people came back down. I didn't go up the mountain, been there and done that, and would have liked to go this time except for that pesky back situation. I just didn't want to chance straining or pulling any muscles so I stayed at the foot of the mountain and waited on folks.

~ tuckered out ~

This little feller had a fine time; he made it to the top, he and his Gran, but he couldn't quite make it back to the community center. Exhaustion got the best of him and he fell asleep. When was the last time you could fall asleep in this position and move when you awoke? Yeah, it's been decades for me as well.

Everyone said they had a lovely time and this nice woman and her husband were over the moon at the day. When I thanked them for coming on the ride and supporting the community center by buying tickets, her husband said, "NO! Thank you all. You don't know what you've done for my family. You've given us memories for a lifetime."

Blessings ~ great weather ~ great day ~ great people ~ memories for a lifetime ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

Bits and Pieces

 ~ Sadie Lady ~

While I'm working on the photos "Faces" for a blog entry, thought some bits and pieces might be of interest.

A lunar eclipse takes place on December 21, also noteworthy because it's the winter equinox solstice. The moon will pass behind the earth and block the sun's rays from striking the moon. This can only happen when the earth is between the sun and a full moon. A lunar eclipse may be viewed from anywhere on earth's night side and a particularly fun place from which to watch is Elqui Domos. I'd love to be there, wouldn't you?

Amish America is all about the Amish and I found it extremely interesting. I've always been drawn to the simpler religions - the Brethren, Mennonites and such. More to the latter than the former as I do like my mod cons. -smile-

Providence Acres has a great tutorial for making fresh green wreaths...just in time for the hols. We're fortunate to have a National Forrest at our back door and fresh greens for wreaths are free for the taking. This excellent tutorial has photos galore and well written instructions so if you want to have a wreath making party, you're set to go.

Arnold Ahlert has written many excellent pieces and Multiculturalism speaks eloquently to our situation today. I find it disturbing the current trend, starting from the Big White House on down, the antipathy towards Jews. When Obama has set his path against the Jews, and thus the feet of the USA, he is leading us on a path that will end in our destruction.

NPR fired Juan Williams for telling the truth and this after his opinion was asked! NRP: "If we don't do it, who will?" Well, NPR...most anyone, a heck of a lot better AND with their own money. If you hate corporations so much, why do you insist on taking their money in the form of commercials "sponsorship"? If you hate free speech so much, why do you allow people liberals, on NPR, to say rude things about Christians, conservatives, etc.? Sometimes I listen to NPR and find it enjoyable to listen for free as I have no intention of ever sending you money again. At least, not from my personal checkbook. You'll still receive my money in the form of tax slave dollars but, hopefully, that will stop if the GOP or Tea Party gains majority office.

Frankly, I'm with Mr. Williams. When I get on an airplane and see Muslims in their robes and hoods, I feel a not so small frisson. If someone were to board that same airplane in a white robe and hood, do you think they would be as well received? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA written in a sarcastic tone and no, I'm not suggesting it should happen but I also don't agree with coverings that veil the face in any way.

NPR is a bully. A bully of the worst sort. A bully who can, and will, make any liberal statement they want and then fire someone for making conservative comments and Mr. Williams didn't even say them on NPR! Ellen Weiss is the hatchet woman who fired Mr. Williams; I am reminded of Martin Niemoeller's message:

"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out--

  because I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out--

  because I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out--

  because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--

  because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me--

  and there was no one left to speak out for me."

 I'm told feedly is a great way to organize one's blog reads in a magazine type format. If you check it out, let me know how difficult it is as I'm feeling a trifle overwhelmed right now to do any geeky stuff.

Kickstarter funds creativity. You come up with an idea, obtain matching funding they your project will see the light of day.  It's not free money, it's free matching money...great idea!

In addition to the rest of life, I'm busy making things for the December Draper craft show. That means dyeing yarn and roving, knitting scarves, hats and fingerless mitts, making quilts, etc. I'll drag one of my spinning wheels, a rag rug loom and a bunch of other stuff so I can demonstrate throughout the day. It's to help a friend and a good cause, more info to follow.

Speaking of more to follow...just downloaded the Paint Lick Ride pictures and will begin work on that entry. It was a glorious day, the photos don't do it justice, but will have to suffice.

Tempus Fugit and Carpe Diem. It's a high wire act but with God's grace and mercy, we'll get through.

Grace and Peace,
Sandra