My Canaan

Crockpot Apple Butter

2012-02-12T11:25:00.001-05:00

One of the mainstays in my fridge is apple butter. Since I was a little girl, there has always been a jar of apple butter in the fridge. There is nothing like warm toast or a bagel spread with fresh apple butter. My comfort food. :-)

My grandma's recipe is a crockpot version, which is yummy and easy to make. I cooked up a batch this past weekend, enough to share a taste with coworkers.

Here's the recipe:

12-15 apples (peeled, cored, diced)
2 c. sugar
4 t. cinnamon
1 t. ground cloves
Cook in covered crockpot on high for 6-7 hours; remove cover and cook an hour and a half; stir occasionally. Mash while warm (hand mixer, blender or processor). Makes 4-5 small jars.

Goodbye to Old Friends

2012-02-06T23:28:00.000-05:00

Time to say goodbye to this ragged old pair of work boots. WAY past time to get rid of them, actually.

Hard to believe, but I've had them since I moved in 8 years ago. They sure have seen their share of work.....climbing the roof to clean the gutters, working in the yard, planting, cleaning the barn, mowing the grass, walking the dog. I've worn them with sweats, jeans, shorts....in every form of weather. For an inexpensive pair of boots, they've served me well!

A good friend of mine (who happens to be a farm girl like me!) has been encouraging me to get a pair of "Ariats." It's the top name in equestrian boots... riding boots, fashion boots and work boots. However, frugal as I am, I couldn't imagine spending $100 on a pair of boots.

Enter ebay!!!

I found a beautiful new pair of Ariats for less than half price.

The crazy thing is that I'm having a hard time parting with the old ragged pair! Funny how it is with something familiar. You get so comfortable that you don't want to let go. I moved the old pair to the porch for a few days and, finally, this morning, carried them out to the trash. Silly. Why would I want to hold on when I have this beautiful new pair of boots. Some lesson there, I'm sure.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2012-01-22T22:19:00.006-05:00

The ladies in my bible study have been raving about a new recipe for homemade laundry detergent. Easy to make, economical, "green," and a little goes a long way. So....I finally gathered the ingredients and made a batch this afternoon.

1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1 bar Laundry Soap (I used Fels Naptha)

The most difficult task was grating the bar soap. It was time consuming and a little more work than I expected. AND, I was surprised at how fragrant the Fels Naptha was. Overwhelmingly fragrant, actually.

Once finished, the bar soap ended up looking a bit like grated cheddar cheese. Kinda strange when you put it all together, as the consistency is so different.

In any case, because the fragrance was so strong, I decided to start with one load of towels. If the perfumey smell was too much, at least I wouldn't have to wear it!

So, I just pulled the towels out of the dryer and there is no perfumey smell at all! As a matter of fact, I wonder if I should go back and add the optional essential oil for fragrance. All in all, it made nearly 4 cups of detergent and it only takes 2 TBSP for a standard load. Looks like I'm in business with my own homemade laundry detergent!!

Thanks to Savvy Brown for the recipe and instructions! Click here for more info: Savvy Brown's homemade laundry detergent

Winter

2012-01-19T21:40:00.002-05:00

It's been a delightfully mild winter in NE Ohio, just a couple of dustings so far. And we're almost through January!! Here's hoping it continues...only 61 days til Spring!!

End of Summer Bounty

2011-10-08T09:55:00.010-04:00

So...... friends and family are tired of seeing the poor, forlorn bat when they check to see if I've updated my blog. I decided it was time to replace him with a lovely photo of veggies.... the last of my Dad's bountiful garden.

It's been a busy summer, with little time for blog posts. While I love the summer days, they are filled from start to finish with work. Thank the Lord, I enjoy the work! But the days come and go so quickly.

In any case, fall is officially here with shorter days and cooler temps. Maybe more time for blogging... we'll see.

After Sunrise...

2011-07-14T10:41:00.005-04:00

Oops!! Looks like this little guy didn't quite get back into the barn before the sun came out. And he was so close.....

Bath Time

2011-07-10T20:28:00.000-04:00

I finally decided it was time for a real good bath for Samson.

I've tried, quite unsuccessfully, to wash him in the bathtub, and have been meaning, instead, to take him to the local groomer. Of course, it's never convenient to get him there and I'd rather not spend the money... so a recent 80+ degree day provided the perfect opportunity. I ran up to the discount store and bought a kiddie pool and some doggie shampoo.

Here is the sweet, unsuspecting victim...

And here is the scene of the crime...(of course, I couldn't get a picture as I was holding his leash and washing him at the same time!)

Wouldn't you know it... as soon as he was perfectly clean, he had a nice, good roll around the yard -- rubbing his shiny clean coat all over the grass. Sheesh!!

Once we were finished, he decided he'd keep his distance for awhile. Bet he won't be so unsuspecting the next time!!

P... U ....

2011-06-24T21:00:00.002-04:00

Caught something in the Havahart cage.

Uh - oh!

Are you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'??

Just Dandy!

2011-06-08T17:21:00.007-04:00

The last couple of weeks have held a fair share of difficulties.
...a computer virus, which disabled my PC for a few days.
...storms and rain, much more than usual for the spring months.
...a significant challenge (and accompanying motherly anxiety) for my son's fledgling business.
...and a mower repair service in no hurry to return my riding mower.

No big deal, really. Just your standard everyday challenges. But, that explains the gap (again!) in my blog. Ugh.

The lack of a riding mower, and an abundance of rain, have created the biggest challenge. It means mowing two acres with a small push mower. In 2-3 hour evening segments, it takes me all week (11 hrs last week)... just in time to start over again! And I'm no spring chicken anymore!!

I will say, though, that my brain works overtime when I mow. I think. And I pray. And I think some more. This week, as I mowed, I had plenty of opportunities to think. LOTS of time to think. And my mind went to dandelions...

There they were, aaalllll over the yard... creeping taller and taller and poking out their silly yellow heads. I couldn't wait to get them mowed down! And then I remembered something...

My mom thinks they're lovely. :-)

Dreaded weeds I can't wait to get rid of, and my mom sees them as little splashes of God's lovely color on the earth. She doesn't see a difference between dandelions and any other flower you plant and tend and cultivate. As a matter of fact, the fact that they spring up on their own and don't need to be planted makes them that much more a delight to her. LOL!!

My mom.

She sees beyond the natural to the supernatural. Beyond the troubles to the truth. The truth is that dandelions are sometimes more colorful than any flower in the garden. A burst of sunshine in an otherwise plain 'ole green field.

Mom made the comment to me recently that she even finds those dandelion puff balls fascinating. The little seeds are carried off on the wind to settle and grow somewhere else. Once more, God's unique creation. And my mom's always-rosy perspective.

Maybe I should draw on that perspective in times of challenge. Maybe not having the computer gives me more time to connect with friends. Maybe push-mowing the lawn provides good exercise. Maybe life challenges give me more opportunities to trust God.

Maybe a dandelion isn't a weed at all.

What a Difference a Day Makes

2011-05-23T22:16:00.002-04:00

Lots of storms have come through My Canaan over the years.... snow storms, rain storms, wind storms.... but nothing like tonight. Without warning. First, heavy rain. Then pounding hail. Finally wind like I've never seen or heard before. Sounded like the house was going to come down.

My neighbor said it was a tornado.

Praise the Lord for watching over us. Once again.

Home is safe. And God is good.

Picture Perfect Day

2011-05-22T21:29:00.005-04:00

(click to enlarge)

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this one tells it all on this "picture perfect" Sunday.

• A sunny, 80 degree day -- after weeks of rain

• Freshly mown grass

• Jeep in the drive, having just picked up flowers from the greenhouse

• Watering jug from patching grass seed

• Radio tuned to the Tribe game (a three-game sweep!)

• Cage & shovel from..... you guessed it!

• A chance for dinner at my favorite place -- my picnic table

• A good book at the dinner table (The Pioneer Woman, my favorite online blogger)

• And, of course, my Samson

Rainy Days

2011-05-20T14:30:00.001-04:00

With great optimism, I pulled the picnic table out of storage early this year

...and then the rains came!

So far in 2011, NE Ohio has had the rainiest spring in more than 50 years. I haven't been able to mow since Mothers Day, and the place looks like a jungle!!

It's also made me aware of ALL of the repairs that need to be made.

The downspout on the barn somehow disappeared.

The full length of gutter on the front of the barn came down in an ice storm this winter and is waiting in the field to be re-hung.

The gutter on my garage has a gap in it and the water is making a nice little rut in the grass below.

Yet, Samson has taken it all in stride. He doesn't seem to mind that a small lake has developed in the back field. :-)

And it doesn't look like the poor farmers will be able to plant anytime soon.

But! I did notice something remarkable as we walked the back field last night... glimmers of sunshine!

Ever so slight, and yet even the smallest rays are a welcome sight these days!!

Where Hidden Treasures are Found

2011-05-18T12:35:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday I attended a seminar titled “Where Hidden Treasures are Found.”

Where do you think hidden treasures can be found? Your home? Possessions? A bank account? A casino? The premise of this seminar was that hidden treasures are found in the lives of the oldest folks in our communities. They each have a lifetime of experience and wisdom to share with someone who will listen.

Presented by God Cares Ministry, the training focused on serving people in long term care facilities (aka nursing homes). Did you know that 2,000 people will spend their last day on earth today in a care facility? All four of my grandparents were living in a care facility when they died.

Truth be told, this only became a heart issue for me as I watched my grandfather spend his last days in a long term care facility. After he passed away in February, I felt I had failed him. In the years he was in the nursing home, I only visited a handful of times. It was just too painful for me to see him there. And, with every visit, I felt so very inadequate to know how to relate to him.

What I learned is that those who have been left to live their last days in a care home have one primary need: Friendship. How simple is that? All I need to do is be a friend. Maybe what I really need to learn is how to be a better friend.... to listen.... and simply to care.

Sadly, I can no longer reach out to my grandpa. But I can be a friend to someone who needs one at a care facility right here in my neighborhood.

By God's grace.

Be Careful What You Ask For

2011-05-15T11:18:00.028-04:00

I adopted Samson two months ago with the hope that he would make the place feel secure and, also, be a deterrent to the critters who have done so much damage around the property.

I couldn’t have imagined my answer would come so quickly and dramatically.

CAUTION – graphic scenes

I had grabbed my camera thinking it might be funny once the groundhog realized the dog was there. I never considered he was headed FOR the dog, nor do I understand why. Samson was on a chain, hadn’t barked or provoked the groundhog. What would have possessed this animal to do this? In the end, Samson did what he was created to do; he defended himself and the property.

Unbelievably, less than a week later, I heard Samson barking and found him, once again, in a battle with a groundhog. This time, though, the animal put up a furious fight and I ended up having to pull Samson away. He was covered in blood, and I wasn’t sure how badly he was injured. Gratefully, the blood wasn’t his and there wasn’t a scratch on him. What a dog.

I’m so grateful that this wonderful dog is now making my home secure and defending the property. Just what I asked for! Yet, I’m not sure I was quite ready for this....

Making Friends

2011-05-13T21:38:00.000-04:00

Six years ago Tobe joined our household. It was August, when my son was home from college, and we went together to pick out a cat from the pound. We took a long time trying to find just the right cat, and we sure did! He's been a real blessing to us over the years, curling up on the bed and in our laps and purring his happy purr. I enjoy having him follow me around the yard as I do my chores. He always brings a smile to my face. Amazingly, he even comes running when we whistle!

So, my heart sank when the new dog caused Tobe to hide out in the basement. The first month or so, I hardly saw him. I even had to move his food dish to the basement to be sure he'd eat. When he did come up, he made it clear he wasn't happy with the new arrangement. Poor guy! It's been his house all these years, and now he'd been invaded by a sloppy, noisy dog! I thought for sure the dark, dirty basement would become his new home.

Well, it took nearly six weeks, but Tobe's back. :-) Ever so slowly, these two are getting used to one another. It's actually been quite comical to watch the two of them jockey for position in the house.

Tobe sneaks a drink from Samson's bowl

the two of them maneuver a window view

and -- the funniest yet -- Samson trying to fit on Tobe's stool!

I have a bit of encouragement, though. It came in the form of a photo forwarded by a co-worker. Her daughter's cat and dog, Hugger and Blitz, are now, to me, the poster children for canine/feline friendship. Could my Tobe and Samson look like this one day???

Confession: I'm a Dog Lover!

2011-05-01T18:09:00.028-04:00

In the last few weeks, I’ve become a dog lover. I never imagined I would be one of those “dog people,” gushing over a common canine. And yet, here I am arranging and rearranging my life around a dog!

For years I've teased family and friends who have dogs and reorder their lives like they're children. It's so much easier being a cat owner. I can leave for the weekend and the cat is fine with a litter box and a few days of food. A dog is a different story.

Well, in early March at my dentist's office, I happened to mention to the dental assistant, Melinda, that I was considering a dog. Melinda’s office wall is covered with dog photos and she herself owns five. I shared with her that I thought the time might be right for me to look for a dog.

Truth be told, I've been thinking about a dog since I moved in to this old farmhouse. I really want the security of a dog on the property and had hoped a dog might be a deterrent to my ever-present critter problem. Yet, my life was too busy to make the commitment to a dog.

Well, by the end of the day of my dentist appointment, Melinda had emailed a photo of "Spencer," a Rottweiler mix available for adoption from a local rescue organization. She just knew he would be perfect for me.

I’m still not sure what motivated me to drive 40 minutes to take a look at him that snowy Saturday in March. The rescue organization was having an adoption event at a pet store on the east side. And there he was. He looked at me with wary eyes, and lowered his head each time I tried to pet him.

He wasn’t overly friendly, but pleasant and well behaved. Something about this sweet pup caused me to say yes to Canine Lifeline's two-week trial. At least I knew there was an out!

Well…. no “out” was needed. He stole my heart after the first night. He cuddled up on a pet pillow at the foot of my bed and never made a peep.

“Spencer” now answers to “Samson.” It’s a strong name, reminiscent of the strong man in scripture. And the shy, timid fella that arrived seven weeks ago has become happy and confident. I think he finally feels secure, and having him here makes me feel secure too.

I’m still amazed that the very first dog I looked at has fit so perfectly into my world. But he has. And now I must confess...

I’m a dog lover ;-)

...because of Samson.

Hibernation's Over

2011-04-28T12:15:00.008-04:00

Getting back in the blog mode after several months isn't easy. I don't know that there's any explanation for the absence... maybe just the doldrums that come with winter. This year, more than any in recent memory, dread came over me like a dark cloud as the oncoming cold weather approached. Just wanted to bury my head under the covers until spring.

So, now spring's here and the hibernation is over!

Seems the logical approach would be to blog in winter, when there is less to do outside and more time for the computer. I guess I'm a bit backwards these days. I'm just now getting back to blogging when it's time to plant, sow, weed, mow... ;-)

In any case, the spring rains have come and deluged our NE Ohio neighborhoods. The upside is that the grass is greener than I can ever remember. Oh, how I love the colors of spring. The small buds on the maple trees are a soft, pale green. My pear tree bloomed this morning with bright white blossoms, and the side yard bursts with the yellow of a fully-bloomed forsythia. Ahhhh... spring!

Senses

2010-10-31T07:15:00.001-04:00

"People look without seeing, listen without hearing, touch without feeling, eat without tasting, inhale without awareness of odor or fragrance and talk without thinking." – Leonardo da Vinci

I want to be grateful for every small pleasure in life, thankful for every scene, smell, sound, touch, taste. For every good and perfect give is from above.

World Equestrian Games

2010-10-07T18:36:00.014-04:00

For the first time in its 20-year history, the World Equestrian Games were held this year in the United States -- Lexington, KY to be exact. What a wonderful event!! Kentucky rolled out the red carpet, as a gracious host to horse lovers and competitors from around the world.

I had the privilege of attending with my friend, who lives in the Lexington area. It fueled the fire in my heart for all things horse-related.

Beautiful main pavilion.

Ride - a - Reiner

Mo loves to ride!

Molly the Pony. Injured in Hurricane Katrina, this poor pony was attacked by a pit bull at the rescue facility. She lost her leg due to the injury, and now has a prosthetic leg: http://www.mollythepony.com.

A dressage competitor from Israel. A para-dressage competitor from Italy.

A para-dressage rider with no legs -- an incredible inspiration.

Wells Fargo Stagecoach.

California Cowgirls riding team.

Rare Marwari horses from India.
Reining demonstration by Josh Vissers.

Horses, horses and more horses. I felt like I was in heaven. Maybe one day I'll have one of my own. ;-)

Changing Colors

2010-10-02T14:07:00.002-04:00

A sure sign of autumn, the new sugar maple is turning a beautiful orange. ☺

A New Sugar Maple

2010-09-19T20:53:00.005-04:00

I was blessed with the gift of a new sugar maple to replace the one I had removed. It's BEAUTIFUL!! It fills in the stark side of the house, and will grow to provide some nice shade once again.

Isn't it lovely??!!

Wednesday's Word

2010-09-15T18:07:00.005-04:00

My boss happens to have a very large vocabulary. A graduate of MIT, his engineering mind is always stretching for more knowledge. He dropped a word into the middle of conversation today, which moved me to the dictionary.... yet again.

SALIENT

Example: “The article is not exhaustive, but it covers the salient points pretty well.”

DEFINITION: (sā’lē-ənt) adj. prominent, worthy of note, pertinent or relevant.

Now, I just need to remember.... ;-)

Things that Grow

2010-09-14T20:32:00.014-04:00

I LOVE Things That Grow!
Not an enormous revelation.... I started this blog by talking about things that grow. I can see the hand of God in things that grow. Sometimes it's simply amazing.

A few days ago, as I was mowing, something red caught my eye in the bushes. I thought maybe a plastic bag had blown across the yard and was stuck in the weeds. A closer look revealed the source of the color. Flowers!! A couple of weeks earlier I had tossed a dry, dead hanging basket (minus basket) into the bushes. Apparently the flowers preferred shade, and came back to life!! Thankfully, I saved the basket and they're now hanging under the shade tree.

The very same day I noticed my English ivy had crept from the outside wall through the window and into my basement.

And, a close look at the front of the house, and I see morning glory winding its way around the rail and right up the front posts. I actually had tried to pull this out a couple of times, and yet it always seems to come back as if it has a mind of its own.

Things That Grow. Aren't they amazing?

Wednesday's Word

2010-09-08T12:26:00.010-04:00

This week's word comes from the forward of a book that recently came across my desk. Since my boss is an author, books regularly cross my desk on their way in and out of the office. I happened to speak with the author of this particular book last week, so was curious as to content. I stumbled on this word in the acknowledgments section at the beginning of his book.

RACONTEUR

From "Emotional Branding" by Daryl Travis:
"He's my favorite writer, raconteur, and boulevardier. Without him this book would be... well let’s just say you would never have gotten to this part."

DEFINITION: (rǎk´ǒn-tûr′) n. A person who tells stories and anecdotes with skill and wit.

So... do you know a raconteur? I can think of a few in my corner of the world ;-)

WORDS!

2010-09-01T18:11:00.020-04:00

Several of the blogs I follow have regular features. One photographer's blog features photos with a certain theme every Friday: shadows, circles, etc. One thrift-store shopper posts photos of her outfits each day of the week, and where she got them. Creative!! And fun to follow. So, I thought I might try...

Wednesday's Word

I love words. Books. Magazines. Stories. And especially the definition and origin of words. I especially love learning new words. Call me crazy, but I enjoy reading through the dictionary and testing myself to see which words I know, and which I don't!

This week I happened across a word in the book I'm reading, and wasn't quite sure what it meant. So, I pulled out the dictionary and looked it up. Let's see if you know the definition! No cheating!! But, if you know the definition, post it in the comments section. On the weekend, I'll post the actual definition and word origin. Here goes...

INCENDIARY

From "When Character was King" by Peggy Noonan:
"Then Barry Goldwater heard about it. He called Reagan and said he'd been told the speech was incendiary.... Reagan was taken aback; he didn't think the speech was incendiary..."

DEFINITION: (in-sěn’dē-ěr-ē) adj. From Latin incendiārius (“setting alight”), from incendium (“destructive fire”), from incendō (“set on fire, kindle”). Causing or capable of causing fire; tending to inflame; inflammatory.

A New Mailbox

2010-08-28T19:20:00.006-04:00

I glanced out the window Friday and saw my smashed mailbox laying on the pavement. Not a pretty picture. I immediately felt frustration rise up in me. What would drive someone to do this??!! Was it a deliberate act of meanness directed specifically toward me? A random act of violence? In any case, it means a trip to the store to buy a new one, and the time and effort to install it. !!!

Shortly after I got the new one up and in place, my active 70 year old neighbor came by on her daily power walk. Without stopping, she hollered over to ask how it was going. I explained my situation and she said,"Yeah, that happened to us a couple of months ago. People sometimes just don't pay attention to their driving." And, with a wave, she was off.

Perspective! I need to get a clue sometimes...

Back to normal. (I think I like black better, anyway! ;-)

EAT.PRAY.LOVE

2010-08-24T18:06:00.015-04:00

A few days ago, my mom and I took in our monthly “dinner and a movie.” This time we chose the very popular Julia Roberts movie “Eat Pray Love.” It was a long, 2+ hour film that ended up leaving us empty. For the first time ever, we actually considered leaving early.

The film is an adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir by the same name. A successful, well-educated American woman, Gilbert finds herself dissatisfied with her marriage. So, she pursues a divorce (which her husband doesn’t want) and then enters an affair with a younger man. When that proves inadequate, she leaves him to “find herself.” The movie follows Gilbert on a quest to find happiness: eating in Italy, praying in India, and looking for love in Indonesia. In each case, I found her to be the epitome of indulgence and narcissism—a rich American pursuing her own selfish desires. When she meets the third man who professes his love for her—a kind and caring man—she almost turns and runs from him. In the end, she chooses her happy ending.

Italy. India. Indonesia.
I. I. I.
How appropriate.

The movie is a microcosm of our culture. We have it all, and are still unhappy. We spend our energy and resources looking for some form of satisfaction and contentment and, instead, are left empty and wanting more.

I found it quite ironic when I received a memo from a business associate recently. It was on stationery from a catholic ministry, with a header that reads “Pray ∙ Love ∙ Serve.”

What a contrasting concept. Similar words, yet so different. Others-oriented, rather than me-focused. I wonder how our lives would change if we each made this our daily mission.

"You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge.... rather, serve one another in love." -- Gal 5:13

Sweet Smells

2010-08-16T10:54:00.013-04:00

This is one of my favorite places in the whole world. My lovely white wicker bench, under a maple tree in my backyard. I have the privilege of meeting God here in this special quiet place... the joy of opening his word, meditating on his goodness, listening.

It's an especially sweet place, as there is a popcorn factory just about a half-mile away. ;-) So the morning breeze carries the sweet aroma of caramel and buttery goodness. Mmmm....

I wonder what sort of fragrance I carry with me. We all carry some sort of aroma, don't we? We sometimes smell of frustration....indifference.... smugness....impatience.

The aroma I enjoy while on my bench brings such pleasure and joy; I can only hope I smell as sweet!

But thanks be to God, who... uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

--2 Cor 2:14

Changes

2010-08-14T10:43:00.010-04:00

Speaking of changes (previous blog post), today's entry from "Jesus Calling" really hit home:

"Jesus Calling" - August 14

I AM YOURS FOR ALL ETERNITY. I am the Alpha and the Omega: The One who is and was and is to come. The world you inhabit is a place of constant changes--more than your mind can absorb without going into shock. Even the body you inhabit is changing relentlessly, in spite of modern science's attempts to prolong youth and life indefinitely. I, however, am the same yesterday and today and forever.

Because I never change, your relationship with Me provides a rock-solid foundation for your life. I will never leave your side. When you move on from this life to the next, My Presence beside you will shine brighter with each step. You have nothing to fear, because I am with you for all time and throughout eternity.

A New Look

2010-08-07T16:34:00.012-04:00

After more than two weeks of hard work, the maple is now gone. It came down in stages, and the workers had an incredible task taking it down.

The hollow logs are a clear indication that the tree came down none-too-soon. I did a bit of research on sugar maples and, based on age, this one was definitely at the end of the chart as far as age is concerned. It was time.

Although it's difficult to fathom, the tree trimmer believes that what they carried out weighed about 200 tons. He said that building the entire house, all three stories, would have taken less wood than was in this one tree.

The man who came to grind the stump (which took four hours!) estimated the tree to be 300-400 years old.

I sure miss the old tree, and the place looks so different. I wish things could remain the same, but have learned that all things change. Only God is the same yesterday, today and forever. :-)

So, now with a creative new sidewalk, the place takes on a fresh look. It's time to get the grass in and work on some landscaping.

"See, I am doing a new thing!"

-- Isaiah 43:19

Beautiful in Its Time

2010-07-24T20:43:00.012-04:00

It's been a remarkably emotional week for me.

I've finally come to grips with something I've put off for the seven years I've lived on My Canaan. I've known, since the day I moved in, that my gorgeous 200+ year old maple tree would need to come down. I tried to save it, having it trimmed a few years ago, but truth is that each major branch is hollow. It's rotted to its core and is a significant hazard, especially so near the house.

So, I made the call and watched this week as the tree trimmers began the incredible task of taking it down.

I learned a few things through this process. Speaking with our local historian, I discovered that the major east-west streets in my town were named for the trees in the area. Butternut, Chestnut, and mine - Sugar Ridge. Sugar Ridge was named for the prevalence of the sugar maple. And it's my beautiful sugar maple that is meeting its end.

So, it feels like a bit of history coming down. This tree has framed the property for hundreds of years, and it's unique beauty won't ever be duplicated. Massive at 60-feet tall, with a circumference of over 250", its stature is magnificent. At a glance, its branches seem to reach to the heavens like arms raised in praise.

Everything about my place now looks different. Stark, empty, barren. This one tree gave the property its character and personality.

Yet, for everything there is a season.... a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. For my maple, its time is finished. My heart is ever-so-sad, and yet I know that God has made everything beautiful in its time. My Canaan is beautiful because his presence dwells here.

"No longer shall there be wasting or destruction within your borders;

But you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise."

2010-07-18T23:12:00.008-04:00

" Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all."

--William Temple

Wow.

A friend of mine calls this a "whammy word." It's one of those phrases that hits you in the heart...one that God often uses to get your attention. Well, he got my attention with this one.

Humility. It's the ultimate in Christlikeness. It's what I strive for as a believer. But, I never quite thought of it this way.

Humility means "freedom from thinking about yourself at all." I love that! How much time do I spend thinking about what I need, how I feel, what the day will hold? How free could I be if I never thought of myself at all?

Really, it's a position of being confident in God's watchcare. Trusting that no matter what I need, or how I feel, or what the day will hold, I'm in good hands. I can cast off all that is "me" focused, and focus on him alone.

How much more he could use me?.....

Horse Country

2010-07-10T19:07:00.043-04:00

I had the absolute pleasure of spending a few days in beautiful Shelby County, Kentucky. Nestled between Lexington and Louisville, the area is a horse lover's paradise.

A dear friend of mine moved here some years ago, and fell in love with Kentucky and with a local man named Eric.They have a wonderful young family, and it was a joy to spend time in their home. There is something special about spending extended time in someone's home and seeing life up close and personal. It made me appreciate the gift of love the Lord has bestowed on their household.

Eric's family homestead includes more than 1000 acres of beautiful rolling farmland. As a country girl myself, their land looks to me like something dreams are made of. Acres and acres of corn and soybeans and tobacco.... green and alive. It makes my heart sing!! A patient man, Eric spent the better part of a 100 degree day allowing me to do a little exploring. ;-)

This is all that remains of an old home on the property.... the entrance to the cellar and a dome that once held ice.

The old mule barn. Eric explained how the overhead pulley would be attached to the mule team, who would lift the bales into the loft. Ingenius in its day.

I had the chance to drive one of the tractors AND also learned how to use the bush hog. I LOVED IT!

And I fell in love in Kentucky. His name is Jack.... and he's a 3-year-old Appaloosa.

Horse farms, large and small, line the beautiful Kentucky roads. Big business for some and, for the farms we visited, a labor of love.

It may not be everyone's idea of the perfect vacation, but it was for me. Large, open spaces and rolling hills. Life as it was in former days. Green fields and fresh air. Ahhhh.....

Summer Days

2010-07-06T12:33:00.015-04:00

The heat has settled on northern Ohio, with temps in the mid-90s this week. It's an unusually hot week for early July, and people here enjoyed the Independence holiday weekend, heat and all.

I feel fortunate to live an area that boasts a little bit of everything..... big cities, rural countrysides, wonderful metroparks, family farms, quaintness as well as culture, and the distinctive of being a "coastal" city. While most people wouldn't think of northeast Ohio as a beach destination, Lake Erie has some beautiful beaches, one of which I visited yesterday.

Sailboats took advantage of the lovely summer day.

And, the lighthouse looked on as sunbathers and swimmers basked in the sun.

For those who work hard for a living, there's a little bit of paradise on a sunny beach in July.

Summer afternoon - summer afternoon;

to me those have always been the two most beautiful words

in the English language.

~Henry James

A Daughter's View

2010-06-28T20:40:00.025-04:00

My parents are, at this moment, on a plane to Kona Hawaii. As hard as it may be to believe, it was really remarkable that they agreed to take this trip. You see, my mom has the same aversion for flying that I do. This invitation, however, was too inviting to pass up and, thankfully, she said YES!

I know what it feels like to sit on a plane and feel my throat tighten and my mind reel. So, I feel for my mom right now. While she sits on that plane, I sit at my desk here at home and pray for the Lord’s peace. I have every confidence he will indeed ease her mind and grant her peace. Yet, what really gives me peace is the thought that she's sitting on that airplane with my dad.

For more than 45 years, he has been there to hold her hand and offer a shoulder to lean on.

I didn't always see it that way. An ex-Marine, he had fallen in love with my mom in the mid-’60s shortly after he got out of the service. She was a young divorcee with a small child (me), and he drove a milk truck for a local dairy. Our young family lived in the projects in a tough, blue collar Ohio city. By the time they had been married three years, they had added two sons and Dad had landed a good job in a local factory. They were able to move their family of five to a new house in a neighboring city. Life was good.

Yet, I remember rocky times when I was young. Dad was the epitome of a Marine, hardnosed and unyielding. He worked different shifts, put in long hours at the factory, often drank too much and life in the house was tense. It wasn’t exactly an Ozzie and Harriet upbringing.

My growing-up memories are good ones, however. My mom has always been a steady, encouraging presence in my life, and relationships in the family were solid. Yet, as I entered my teens, I felt a huge distance from my dad. Our lives were on different paths, and he didn't seem interested in my teenage-girl world. It seemed I hardly knew him and he hardly knew me. There were moments of connection, but they were few and far between. No surprise, at 17 I moved out of the house and didn’t look back.

This was a period in my life where I made a lot of bad choices. I began drinking. I looked for love in all the wrong places. At a friend’s invitation, I moved a thousand miles away from my Ohio home. And, by the tender age of 21, I met a married man at work and fell for him. It wasn’t long before he divorced his wife, and we were married. I began the marriage with stars in my eyes, but soon found myself trapped in an abusive relationship with a baby to take care of.

This is where my dad’s story takes an unexpected turn. While I was living out of state, I discovered that Dad, like my mom before him, had “found Jesus.” All I knew at the time was that he had started going to church, stopped drinking, and got baptized. From my perspective, he had become a “bible thumper.” Guess it was okay for him, but it just seemed kinda odd to me.

Dad sent me a bible along with a note telling me that God loved me. And, a couple of months later, he sent a little card that invited me to “get saved.” Although I didn’t understand any of it, I sentimentally tucked those items away as keepsakes.

The pain of my difficult marriage took a toll. I found myself filled with anxiety, and suffered, on more than one occasion, through a panic attack. The lively, optimistic girl I was when I married had become a frightened, overwhelmed young woman.

Late one night, in the midst of my troubled world, I pulled out the bible Dad had sent me and his note. He said God wanted to help me, and that I only needed to reach out to him. That night, I got on my knees and prayed the prayer on that little card.

It didn’t happen overnight, but little-by-little, God began to become real to me. He lifted me out of my despair and his strength became my strength. I found the life and hope that both my mom and dad had found.

Then, my Dad’s big strong arms reached out to me all those miles away. That hardnosed Marine became a tender-hearted father. When I was too debilitated to drive, he drove the thousand-mile trek for me. When I had no where to live, he welcomed me and my little boy to his home. When I was in need and without, he provided.

He has mellowed over the years. He is now “Papa” to six grandchildren who love him. He lives his life to be a blessing, to serve God, and to better the world around him. God only knows how many lives have been transformed because he has shared the good news to those who would listen.

But I must say that one thing, above all else, warms my heart toward my dad... and that’s the love he has for my mom. No one I’ve known on this earth can compare to her. And he has loved and cared for her for nearly 50 years.

And he’s there for her to lean on, at this moment, on that flight some 36,000 feet over the Pacific.

My dad. I thank God for my dad.

Kitty-sitting

2010-06-20T18:34:00.006-04:00

I'm a cat lover! Not afraid to admit it. Cats are wonderful animals.... affectionate and loyal.... but don't require the constant attention dogs do. At least in my humble opinion ;-)

This week I'm kitty-sitting for my neighbors. Mallory and Cinnamon are sister kitties, and a recent addition to my neighbor's home. Their two long-loved cats died last fall, and they decided to adopt these sisters. I enjoyed getting to know them, if only for a few minutes each day.

From Seeds to Weeds

2010-06-04T16:03:00.010-04:00

Maybe it's just me, but it seems my garden provides one spiritual lesson after another.

Once we were well past the Ohio frost date, I began tilling and planting. It seems I can't manage to get everything done on the weekend, or the weather doesn't cooperate, so I took a day off to plant. My first job was to rototill.

Have you ever used a rototiller ? It's designed so that, when you engage the lever, it's driven forward. The hard work is in holding it back so it can fully do its job. My borrowed rototiller is a pretty good size, so holding it in place takes a bit of muscle.

Well.....

I must have the hardiest weeds in Ohio!

This ground was planted last year, so there is only one season of growth, basically just the weeds that came up last fall. Yet, as I tilled, some of those weeds wouldn't come up!! I'd have to hold that tiller in one spot and let it grind and grind. And yet, I'd look back and see that same nasty weed pop back up again!!

Weeds. No wonder the Lord uses them as an analogy for sin. The roots go so deep..... and..... they keep coming back to squeeze out the good crops. I've found it's so much easier if they can be snatched up while they're small, before they take root and stake their claim to that spot of land.

This lesson also makes evident the real value of fruit (or vegetables in my case). Bearing fruit is not easy; it takes commitment and hard work.

I keep wondering if I have what it takes to keep up with the hard work of gardening. I love it!! But it sure ain't easy!

New Life!

2010-05-18T12:31:00.007-04:00

I've decided that I love, love, love SPRING! It’s such a wonderful season of new life. I never really appreciated it until I had a home of my own, and could watch things come to life.

I especially love the perennials which bloom each year without fail. Tucked under mounds of snow and out of sight for months, and yet when spring arrives.... new life!

This week my Immortal Iris bloomed. My sister-in-law gave one to each member of our family five years ago when my grandma died. Each year when it blooms, I'm reminded of the very special bond I shared with one of the most important people in my life. Although she's gone now, this lovely flower reminds me each spring of a very special lady.

Miss you, Gram!

Further on Seeds

2010-05-16T08:16:00.008-04:00

Ok..... I'm gonna get a bit theological this morning. Maybe appropriate for a Sunday. I haven't quite got my brain around this, but the principle is remarkable.

The first mention of seeds in scripture is right at the beginning, Genesis 1:11:

"..the fruit tree yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself..."

The idea is that the seed needed to reproduce the same plant is found inside itself.

Yet the root word for seed in Hebrew is "zera," which means to sow, to scatter, to disseminate. So....the only way for the plant to be reproduced is for the seed to be scattered, disseminated to good soil, where the new plant can take root and grow.

The seed is within.... yet must be cast out and scattered to fulfill its purpose.

How appropriate then are Jesus' words in Luke 8:11? "The seed is the Word of God." God plants his word within us, so that we can disseminate it and bear fruit, reproducing the life of Christ in others.

Hmmm..... I wonder what this means for me. Maybe that I need be always aware that God plants his word in me for a reason. It's not just for me. Rather, it's so that I will be the Lord's soil, if you will. Created to bear fruit.

SEEDS

2010-05-14T18:50:00.014-04:00

I planted tomatoes and radishes in peat pots this spring, to get an early start on my vegetable garden. What has impacted me through this process is the incredible dynamic of the seed. Of course, I've known since I was a child the truth of planting: put the seed in the ground, cover it with soil, water it, and it will grow. But to watch it up close and personal is amazing!

I took tiny seeds, each the size of the head of a pin, and dropped them in these small peat pots. And.... just as the seed packet said.... within a few days up popped seedlings!

As God's perfect timing would have it, Pastor preached this past Sunday on seeds. And, I began to realize just how much scripture has to say about this. In the familiar passage from Luke, Jesus uses the analogy of the seed to make a point about faith. We can accomplish powerful things for the kingdom of God if we have faith as small as a mustard seed.

Think about it. A tiny seed planted in good soil, watered regularly, can grow into a plant that produces fruit and feeds my family, or a tree that is large enough to house a nest of birds. My beautiful 200-year old maple tree began as a seed. Absolutely incredible!!

It's a Jeep Thing

2010-04-22T18:51:00.011-04:00

My Explorer was in the shop this week, so I borrowed a Jeep Wrangler from a friend. Ted, a former co-worker, has taken a two-year assignment in Kenya and left his Jeep for my son to sell. Perfect timing with the needed repairs to my truck. With Ted's permission, I anxiously hopped behind the wheel of his Jeep.

Truth is I've really been chomping at the bit to drive a Jeep. I love driving a stick, and this 6-speed made my mouth water. Somehow, a Jeep is the ultimate carefree, exciting vehicle.... like at any moment you can jump off-road and head for the hills. Or take the top off and cruise without a care in the world!

It really was great fun to take to the road in the Jeep. It somehow has its own attitude. From the sharp look, to its ability to transform itself, to the tight transmission, to the "Jeep wave," owners know "It's a Jeep thing." Kinda enjoyed being a part of this exclusive club. And the ride itself was an adventure!

But, four days later, I realize I'm not as carefree as I had hoped. Missed my power windows. I can't remember the last time I had to crank the window down. And, what about climbing up into a Jeep Wrangler? Not the most graceful thing in 4-inch heels. And with a cold Ohio breeze whipping my face, what about remote entry? What... I have to dig for a key??!

So, the sporty Jeep is now parked in the drive, and a "For Sale" sign is soon to be posted. I'm content to have my trusty Explorer back, comfy pillow tucked behind my back. (Oh.... and no car payment!)

"Pepper"

2010-04-11T16:11:00.017-04:00

About a month ago a sweet little tuxedo kitten peered into my porch window, and tugged at my heartstrings. Lots of cats hang near the house, but this one's boldness surprised me. He hopped right up on the porch chair and made his presence known, meowing until he got my attention.

Hesitantly, I softened to the little guy. First, I offered a bowl of catfood. Then, a pat on his head. Soon, I looked forward to his presence first thing in the morning. I'm not sure I've ever seen such a sweet natured kitty. It capped off my day to set him in my lap and listen to him purr.

Well today, the first view out of that same porch window was that little darling laying on the side of the road. He hadn't yet learned the danger of the street. Poor thing. So we scooped him up and buried him in the back field. As the dirt covered his sweet little face, I was overcome by how quickly he had won my heart.

It really is a very special privilege to love God's creatures. The Lord must know how our hearts long for companionship. Even though this little one was only with us a few short weeks, I hope he felt loved. I'm reminded in my sadness what I already know: It's a risk to love, but it's worth it. Rest in peace, sweet little one.

Borders

2009-08-22T10:06:00.010-04:00

The Lord brought an incredible picture to mind this week about the significance of borders/boundaries.

In early June I set the stakes and put up fencing around my entire garden. I established a border of nearly 400 ft of deer netting, 7-ft tall on 10-ft stakes, intended to keep the deer from my plants. Yet, every few days throughout the summer I've been out there repairing the fence. Winds have torn down sections of it. And deer have apparently knocked down other sections. In some cases it seems I just did a poor job of tying it up, and I find it sagging and penetrable. It's been a constant effort to reinforce the border.

As long as the fencing stays in place, my garden is safe. And yet with every intrusion, I lose something. Corn torn from the stalk, tomatoes nibbled off the vine, lettuce trimmed to the ground -- not to mention the damage to the fence. Frustrating! And so I go about repairing.

In similar ways, the Lord has established boundaries for our lives. Relational. Spiritual. Financial. The borders are for our safety and well-being. We experience joy and freedom when the borders are where they should be. And yet, the winds of life and the enemy of our souls push in on those boundaries to disrupt and to steal. Sometimes it's even our own lack of attention that allows the gap.

What I know is that it's up to me to reinforce the borders. It's up to me to repair the breaches and be watchful of any intrusion. Sometimes it's tiring, and I'm tempted to let it go. However, peace and safety come only when I'm safe within the borders.

"He grants peace to your borders..." Psalm 147:14

Critter Chronicles

2009-08-16T16:02:00.039-04:00

One of the huge challenges "down on the farm" is battling an ever present critter population. Prior to my moving in five years ago, the house sat empty for nearly a year. So, the animals took their cue to move in.... especially the groundhogs. As a matter of fact, several times in the first year I had to deal with them in my basement!!! Those varmints chewed right through the basement door and made themselves at home inside.

It's really incredible the damage these small rodents can do.... damage to the house..... and damage to the barn....

Needless to say, it's a constant battle to try and eliminate them. That's why I jump for joy whenever I can catch one! The count is up to 69 in five seasons -- groundhogs, possums, raccoons and even a couple of skunks. I wonder if the battle will ever come to an end, or if I will be fighting critters as long as I live here. Guess all I can do is set the cages and hope someday I'll write "The End" on my critter chronicles!!

Harvest time

2009-08-12T22:31:00.011-04:00

It was a good night!

After contacting the local food pantry to offer some produce, I prayed that the garden would have a good variety of veggies to pick tonight. I was delighted to find cabbage, bell peppers, lettuce, cucumbers, hot peppers, tomatoes, onions and potatoes -- all ready to pick!!

What a wonderful encouragement after the struggles of the past week. I'm excited, and can't wait to hand these off in the morning!

Ah, I think I'll sleep well tonight. Thank you, God.

Nevertheless

2009-08-08T11:12:00.020-04:00

Life on "my canaan" is interesting, to say the least. There's always a challenge to face or a story to tell. Sometimes the challenges come fast and furious, and that's the way it's been lately.

Beyond the normal daily tasks and responsiblities, unexpected challenges seem to be at a rat-a-tat pace. Recent storm damage to my east porch and deterioration to the west porch, and I now find myself needing to replace both. My magnificent massive maple trees threaten the house and garage, and need to be trimmed and/or taken down. The critters are literally gnawing away at the buildings and invading my garden, my 7-year-old truck needs repair and..... last night I struck a stump with my riding mower and broke the blade . Arghh!!!

NEVERTHELESS.....

These things aren't going to bring me down! Although challenges abound, nevertheless God is in control. He has always provided in the past and he will provide in each and every case of need.

It causes me to think about the power of that word. Nevertheless...

It's all about attitude. It's not Scarlett O'Hara's lah-dee-dah attitude in Gone with the Wind... sigh... "tomorrow is another day." It's a powerful word and a strong resolve, a word of purpose and steely determination. NEVERTHELESS. What a great word!

So... this week I'll call the tree service, lawn mower repair, a contractor and a mechanic, set my critter cages and face a new day!

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.

— Viktor Frankl, Nazi concentration camp survivor

"You Feed Them"

2009-07-30T07:29:00.040-04:00

It began in the winter with a couple of words from scripture that seemed to ring in my ears. One here, and one there. I didn't really notice at first. But then my pea brain began to see a trend. "In the morning, sow your seed..." (Ecc 11:6) "bearing seed for sowing... " (Ps 126: 6) "reap with songs of joy" (Ps 126:5), even a quote by Martin Luther: "If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would nevertheless plant..."

Hmmm. Sow.... plant.... reap....

As I chewed on these words, a thought began to take shape. With the recent economic crisis affecting our nation, there was a deep desire in my heart to reach out to those in need. Blessed with a couple of acres of land, this was something I could do! I could plant and give vegetables to local ministries and food pantries.

Once I really took the idea seriously though, doubts crept in. I had never done this before! How would I know what to do? How would I find the time, the money, the energy?

And then, one morning in April, I read this devotion written by Randy Kilore in Made to Matter:

Well, I heard the Lord loud and clear! I copied the page and pasted it in my journal, and I planted!! Twenty-one rows of vegetables on nearly a quarter acre!!

Thinking it might be an encouragement to him, I wrote Randy Kilgore and shared how his words had impacted me and moved me to action. His reply is one of the most remarkable emails I have ever received:

*********************************************************************************

Thank you so much for sharing this news with me, and more than that, for being willing to share with others. It is a remarkably moving and unbelievably meaningful act. I'm deeply humbled God would use my words in this way, and willingly and delightfully I give Him all the glory and credit for even the selection of the phrasing.

I remember many nights, years ago, when as a boy I'd be playing at a friend's house while his mother was cooking dinner. The smells wafting through the air made me sad because I knew my dinner would be lettuce with heated up bacon grease used for dressing. On good nights we had hot dogs, but that was a rarity. Too proud even as a boy, I never accepted invitations to eat over at my friends' house. It didn't seem fair for me to eat so well when my two brothers wouldn't; it was easier to do without. Those nights without food, and days and days of hunger, still haunt me. At the time, they left me feeling like I was somehow less important and less deserving of the things everyone else had, and while I wasn't old enough to think it was God I was less important to, that's the place the hungry go in their thinking.

So when you share your food with others, let me promise you it will be giving them more than sustenance. Not all who receive it will be grateful, and not all will see it as coming from the hand of God, but most will, even if they only realize it later. Some will be forever set free from the idea they are less important to God merely because they're not hungry. It's why that passage in Matthew 25 appears so often in my writings... "hungry and you fed me..." I know with certainty that food becomes tangible evidence of God's love even to those who refuse to admit they're looking for Him to love them.

You've given me a gift that exceeds my ability to express gratitude. Somewhere out there in the crowd of unseen folks who will be the recipients of your efforts is the ghost of a 9 year old boy, grinning ear to ear as he watches somebody else get something he longed for so long... God's love expressed as tomatoes, cucumbers and peas.

Warmest regards in Christ,

Randy

A Gardener's Front Row Seat

2009-07-18T21:24:00.044-04:00

No wonder Jesus often used agriculture to teach life lessons. In my first season of "farming," I'm seeing the power of his teaching through fresh eyes.

The third week of May, just after the threat of frost, I planted. Tiny vegetable seeds--cucumbers, peppers, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, etc.--sprinkled on the ground and covered with a light layer of soil. Within just a short time, shoots began to sprout.... and so did my excitement! How did that happen? How did those tiny seeds become the tall, beautiful rows of vegetables I now see? It's certainly been a lesson to me to see the smallest seed grow large and bear fruit. It's been incredible to behold!

And then last weekend, the garden taught me another amazing life lesson. A summer storm blew in from the west and pounded the property. With little protection, the garden took the full impact of the wind. After it passed, I walked outside to find the cornstalks flat on the ground!! The wind had knocked them down completely. Having never farmed before, I expected the worst... that the corn was ruined. Nine long rows of corn bent over and beaten.

I've found myself in a similar position lately. The struggles and stresses of life have left me feeling like that corn. Beaten down, flattened... to the point that I've felt completely defeated. Emotionally, I'm bowed low like that corn. And yet, to my amazement, after just a few days those cornstalks sprang back to life! Each stalk, leaning toward the sun, found the strength to stand tall again. And there is my life lesson. Spiritually, I find my strength in the storms of life as I lean toward the SON. In him I find strength to stand once more, strength to go on, to grow, to hopefully stand stronger than before.

So, I take my seat in the front row, and watch and listen for all the Lord has to teach me. I take my seat, and watch the garden grow...