I rarely find that our blog is one to be a place for me to complain. Instead only to help, heal and give inspiration and motivation. However, on my most recent trips to the grocery store and gas station, it truly leaves me a little blue. I walk down each aisle and wonder how did pricing change so quickly and in vast amounts? How did we become a society where it is now an everyday occurrence that the shelves are found empty and out of stock? We do live in America…the greatest country in the world we say. I have come home a time or two from the store without…

What is gratitude? The definition states that it means to be thankful or the readiness to show appreciation or return of kindness. And the verse in Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” When we look around at not only all the things we have but the family we are surrounded by daily, we should always display an attitude of gratitude. God has truly blessed us with the greatest sacrifice of all, his son. God didn’t complain at all; he did it with a grateful heart.  Sometimes as we go about our day-to-day life it’s hard to have or…

What a whirlwind this spring has been already! I am loving the warmer weather, the fact the snow is melting, and the signs that I will soon be enjoying my back patio with a glass of wine or cold beer. However, in both my own life and those around me, I have had a constant stream of conversations in the last few weeks about how we are overbooked, tired, and feel like we are running on fumes. Yes, the common phrase people use often is “running on fumes”. It is a state of life in which we are tired and run down….barely making it to the next obligation that we…

As I sit here looking out my east kitchen window, I can see the sunlight. It looks like it is going to be another gorgeous day with lots of sunshine and warmer temps. I can’t help but feel the need to not waste any second and go out and enjoy it as I do my morning routine of chores on the farm.  Ephesians 5:15-17 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” These verses are powerful. They remind us to…

This last month we celebrated Valentine’s Day. My husband and I have never been over the top with doing much for the day. We are not dependent on having to go out to a nice restaurant, I don’t expect flowers or chocolates for the day and my husband doesn’t expect anything either. We have known, as we have been together for almost thirty years, that at the end of the day the other will be there for them no matter what. That is a gift that can’t be wrapped and it is priceless. We also aren’t huge travelers. So many people we know are in the height of winter traveling…

As we near the end of the month, I am anticipating warmer days coming up. Warmer days mean different things for each of us: some may be looking ahead to planning their garden, maybe it’s being able to start using the grill and sit on the deck outside in the evening or for others long days of working outside.  I am one of those that will have longer days being outside working as I am a farmer and a rancher (which I enjoy). With the longer days that just means another season is beginning (the season of planting and calving). I am truly blessed to have the occupation that I…

Recently, my sisters and I along with my girls, nieces, and mom enjoyed the weekend together just hanging out with no agenda visiting and playing cards. We had our phones and a few brought their computers, but for the most part we unplugged from technology.  Don’t get me wrong I’m not against technology, it is wonderful and has its place. But, how often are we to check the latest Facebook post or text message or how many times a day does our phone go off with a notification? I believe just like the earlier articles about Mary and Martha, we should be a little more like Mary. Mary focused on…

Earlier this week, I posted a transcript of a talk I gave recently on being a Martha (link). After posting it, I thought perhaps I should follow up with a post about some things I’m trying to help keep me focused and redirect me when I do lose focus. Here are just a few things. Lay Down My Burdens In Hebrews 12:1, the author states to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (ESV). God never meant for us to carry more than our own load. His goal rests solely in us seeking him…