tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59112446611881036832024-02-19T07:33:09.889-06:00Life @ 40 Acre FarmJulie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-91957127584041532162015-04-23T06:24:00.000-05:002015-04-23T06:24:36.125-05:00It Has Been AwhileIt has been awhile since I've posted here...over a year and a half. And to be honest I really haven't missed it. Life hasn't allowed me to miss it. Occasionally I click over to look at pictures or use a link in the margin but in all reality this blog has been set on the back-burner and the heat turned off due to necessity. <br />
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But there are times, as now, in the wee early hours of the morning waiting on a goat to kid, that I do click over and desire to post something, or at least mention that I'm still here.<br />
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I'm still here,...raising kids and livestock, desiring a garden of the full-blown proportions type, a goat herd of the full-blown proportions type, working at a marriage, and realizing more and more that life is short...and much of what we think we may accomplish one day or hope to is simply that...thoughts and hopes. </div>
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Don't mean to sound down but just real. The reality is life is fast and most of the time whether we like it or not we're living in a way that is reactive, or that's the way it is here anyway. Our lives are on fast-forward. I call it the crazy bus, we're on this crazy bus ride, barreling down the highway, swerving around the corners, yelling at one another because we're scared for our lives...and praying that we don't crash. That's sorta my reality right now. It's real and busy...and reactive...and I'm praying we don't crash.<br />
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Praying God's discernment, wisdom, guidance, and strength for our family so that we may honor Him, JulieJulie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-7496619750422793842013-09-28T08:36:00.000-05:002013-09-28T08:36:05.785-05:00Some of my Favorite Photos: Rural Living<center>
I love to take pictures.</center>
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And I really enjoy editing them!</center>
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Not too surprisingly, my favorite subjects tend to be right here on our little farm, the fauna and flora of the country, and small town living.</center>
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These photos were taken anywhere from three years ago up to a year ago. </center>
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My photography hobby has had to take a back seat as of late to the priority of raising children and taxiing them to their multitude of extracurricular activities.</center>
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But looking back through past pictures and the subjects captured causes me to reflect fondly upon those times that I've been able to escape the mundane and allow the creative juices to flow!</center>
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Lambing Season at the Robinsons </center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6963066766/" title="April2012 317 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="April2012 317" height="499" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/6963066766_46b089652d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Aubrey's Bucket-calf, Wally</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6916428159/" title="April2011 373 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="April2011 373" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6916428159_7e4f940859.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Thistle Seed Head in Drought: Summer 2012</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6032223629/" title="july2011 035 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="july2011 035" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6081/6032223629_eb94696878.jpg" width="333" /></a>
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Samuel's Small Town Church Baptism </center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/7945950498/" title="The Little Guy gets Baptized by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="The Little Guy gets Baptized" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/7945950498_a4cf0bf809.jpg" width="357" /></a></center>
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Rain Drop on Barbed Wire</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6026744666/" title="august2011 216 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="august2011 216" height="368" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6194/6026744666_5363da0b74.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Lillie's Bantam Chick, Pharaoh</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6012875234/" title="Bantam Babies by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="Bantam Babies" height="370" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6142/6012875234_e7f158af32.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Sisters</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/5440531246/" title="Sisters by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="Sisters" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5133/5440531246_a498f1ee6d.jpg" width="333" /></a></center>
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Sunrise on the Pasture Across the Road</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6925630191/" title="february2012 035 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="february2012 035" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6925630191_7efd5b61c2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Deer At The Wichita Wildlife Refuge</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/5348511305/" title="Deer @ The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer @ The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge" height="315" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5286/5348511305_e28e728513.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Spring Flowers in the Hay Meadow</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/5043247372/" title="Spring Wildflowers by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="Spring Wildflowers" height="375" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/5043247372_f1e557d4d3.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Damselfly Looking At Me</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/4781817338/" title="Damselfly Watching Me by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="Damselfly Watching Me" height="500" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4074/4781817338_206aafcb7a.jpg" width="398" /></a></center>
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Mammoth Sunflower in the Garden</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/4781785926/" title="Happy Face by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Face" height="477" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4117/4781785926_a97d4fd002.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Grain Elevator: Frederick Oklahoma </center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6391821149/" title="Southwest Oklahoma Grain Elevator by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="Southwest Oklahoma Grain Elevator" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6391821149_eddeefba35.jpg" width="400" /></a></center>
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Strawberry is Barn Sour</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/5574198864/" title="Strawberry by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="Strawberry" height="343" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5267/5574198864_fd7592492e.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Thanks for looking and have a great day!</center>
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Blessings, Julie</center>
Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-34044305926562286812013-07-20T18:50:00.001-05:002013-07-20T18:50:52.306-05:00Our 2013 Beach Vacation in Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tim catching a bonnet head shark at the beach.<br />
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The fish gave a good fight.<br />
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But after a little while, Tim was able to land it.<br />
We observed it and then let it go.<br />
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We shelled...and searched for shark's teeth.<br />
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The children flew kites.</div>
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And memories were made to cherish always.</div>
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Until next time dear sand and surf, Julie</div>
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Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-65230662259991551202013-04-26T12:37:00.000-05:002013-04-26T12:37:27.153-05:00Just In Case You're InterestedJust in Case You're Interested...<br />
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We have a photogenic three-legged dog...<br />
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Just in case you're interested...<br />
This is one of my favorite photos of my son.<br />
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And just in case you're interested...</div>
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my oldest daughter is a snappy dresser.</div>
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It began way back.</div>
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Just in case you're interested...</div>
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I dream of bacon, specifically chocolate covered bacon.</div>
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And I can't get these images out of my mind!</div>
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Just in case you're interested, I drink my coffee every morning from a "Joe's" cup, really.</div>
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And just in case you're interested...</div>
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this is a recent picture of me.</div>
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Okay, not really...but she could be my identical twin.</div>
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my younger daughter wants to follow in the footsteps of her daddy</div>
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and become a vet.</div>
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He's a fantastic teacher also as you can see here where he's teaching about the heart...a cow's heart.</div>
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(notice the older daughter on the far side)</div>
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Just in case you're interested, one of my favorite places in the world is the beach and soon we'll be heading that direction again ((sighing contentedly)).</div>
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And that about wraps it up...just in case you're interested.</div>
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Blessings, Julie</div>
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Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-77719176880765989162013-04-04T07:49:00.000-05:002013-04-04T07:53:54.988-05:00On Being Encouraged in a Fallen World<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 43:5</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some days the world can be consuming, it seems to take all I have to just get through it and the thought of getting to crawl in bed at the end of it...is my greatest goal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sound depressing? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some days can be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some days are filled with refereeing children's fights and dealing with attitudes that are in no way honorable or even come close to being respectable to those around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm reminded daily and sometimes even moment to moment that we live in a fallen world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The many warnings from Conservative Christian Family Research groups give credence to my concerns as I strive to bring up my children in the way of the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The world wants my children, the world desires to see my children turn from the Lord and conform to it's rebellion against our Holy God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's a struggle, a battle...an all out exhausting tug-a-war with forces that are stronger than I.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I must remember, I must lean, and I must trust that He will go before me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Isaiah 41:10</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Deut. 31:6</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>II Chron. 20:15</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That's right, this battle is not mine, but God's. I must be obedient in what He has put before me and trust Him. I think of Peter, the precious out-spoken and risk taking disciple that desired to walk on water, as Jesus did! As long as His eyes were on His Lord, He rose above the very present waves of water that could consume him. Here is the account in Matthew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span class="text Matt-14-22" id="en-NKJV-23620"><em>Jesus Walks on the Sea</em></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<em>Matthew 14:22-33:</em></span></span></h3>
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-14-22"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. </span> <span class="text Matt-14-23" id="en-NKJV-23621"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. </span> <span class="text Matt-14-24" id="en-NKJV-23622"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>But the boat was now in the middle of the sea,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-23622a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-23622a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.</span></span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-14-25" id="en-NKJV-23623"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. </span> <span class="text Matt-14-26" id="en-NKJV-23624"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.</span></span></span></em><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-27" id="en-NKJV-23625"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, <span class="woj">“Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”</span></span></span></em></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-28" id="en-NKJV-23626"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup>And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”</span></span></em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-14-29" id="en-NKJV-23627"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>So He said, <span class="woj">“Come.”</span> And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. </span> <span class="text Matt-14-30" id="en-NKJV-23628"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-23628b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-23628b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”</span></span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-14-31" id="en-NKJV-23629"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, <span class="woj">“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”</span> </span> <span class="text Matt-14-32" id="en-NKJV-23630"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.</span></span></span></em><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-33" id="en-NKJV-23631"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>Then those who were in the boat came and<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-23631c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-23631c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”</span></span></em></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-33"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-33" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peter actually walked on the water (I LOVE IT!) towards Jesus, but it was when his focus was taken from Jesus,...he was distracted, doubted, forgot that the very One who was keeping Him above the water... that he began to sink.</span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-33" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I must remember that He is with me, that He directs my steps, that He is in control, and that my worry and anxious thoughts cannot change my situation nor those around me. </span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-33" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I must go forward with His Word encouraging me:</span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-33" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-33"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:</em></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-33"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Philippians 1:6</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Hebrews 12:1-2</em></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-14-33">Be encouraged as you set your eyes on Him, Our Lord Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!</span><br />
Julie</span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-14-33"><strong></strong></span><br />Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-79011606987376008852013-03-28T07:26:00.000-05:002013-03-28T07:29:49.575-05:00Dogs & Swine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. ~Matthew 7:6~</span></em><br />
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Reading the Bible this morning I came upon this scripture. <br />
I, like you, have read this many times. These are Jesus' words and this is a bit of scripture included in His Sermon on the Mount. <br />
Strangely, this bit of verse stopped me this morning and I looked longer at it. I questioned Him in prayer to help me fully understand this and how to apply it in my own life. <br />
In a time when so much seems to be in turmoil societally and morally speaking in our own nation, when do we NOT witness and speak His word in rebuke towards that which is clearly stated as sin in the Bible? When do we NOT attempt to comfort those that we know to be living in sin and not mindful at all of their spiritual condition? <br />
And who exactly are the "dogs" and "pigs." mentioned in Matthew 7:6?<br />
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According to Barnes' Notes on the Bible:<br />
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<span style="color: black;">"Dogs" signify people who spurn, oppose, and abuse that doctrine; people of special sourness and malignity of temper, who meet it like growling and quarrelsome curs, </span><a href="http://bible.cc/philippians/3-2.htm"><span style="color: black;">Philippians 3:2</span></a><span style="color: black;">; </span><a href="http://bible.cc/2_peter/2-22.htm"><span style="color: black;">2 Peter 2:22</span></a><span style="color: black;">; </span><a href="http://bible.cc/revelation/22-15.htm"><span style="color: black;">Revelation 22:15</span></a><span style="color: black;">. "Swine" denote those who would trample the precepts underfoot; people of impurity of life; those who are corrupt, polluted, profane, obscene, and sensual; those who would not know the value of the gospel, and who would tread it down as swine would pearls, </span><a href="http://bible.cc/2_peter/2-22.htm"><span style="color: black;">2 Peter 2:22</span></a><span style="color: black;">; </span><br />
<a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/11-22.htm"><span style="color: black;">Proverbs 11:22</span></a><span style="color: black;">.</span><br />
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Other verses that mention dogs and swine are:<br />
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He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs."<br />
~Matthew 15:26~<br />
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Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.<br />
~Revelation 22:15~<br />
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Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. <br />
~Philippians 3:2~<br />
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Yea, <i>they are</i> greedy dogs <i>which</i> can never have enough, and they <i>are</i> shepherds <i>that</i> cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.<br />
~Isaiah 56:11~<br />
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And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it <i>is</i> unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.<br />
~Deut 14:8~<br />
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Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.<br />
~Luke 8:33~<br />
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After reading several commentaries, I've come to more fully understand that the dogs in Matthew 7:6 signify those that are combative to the Word of God, and will vehemently justify their sin while verbally or even physically abusing those that may try to rebuke or correct them with the Word of God. The swine symbolize those that have no use for the Word of God and hungrily chase after the world while trampling underfoot that which is truly precious and life-saving eternally.</div>
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Very simplistic to some, I know... but for me, I'm just trying to figure out how it all fits and applies to my life.</div>
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When do we as Christians refuse to help those that are in physical and spiritual need? Or do we? When do we keep to ourselves the thirst-quenching and life-giving Words of our Lord and Savior? </div>
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Admittedly, I haven't spoken up of my faith and my love for my Savior in times that the Lord was convicting me to do so.</div>
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And once again, I'm gently reminded that we are to stay <em>close</em> to Him,... <em>very close...</em>, to be in His Word consistently and in constant prayer so that we will discern through the direction of The Holy Spirit those moments His word is to be spoken in reproof and love. </div>
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Abiding in the One who sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood, Jesus Christ! </div>
Blessings, Julie<br />
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<br />Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-89219502843961217312013-02-21T10:36:00.000-06:002013-02-21T20:18:48.937-06:00Our Homeschooling Journey: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Way back and long ago when the girls were still very small, I presented a crazy notion to my husband, "What do you think about homeschooling?" To which he let me know he didn't think a lot about it and the issue was closed for some time.<br />
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Then I had our son and once again I brought up the crazy, freaky idea of home educating our progeny. But this time I presented it with much more gusto, increased passion, and the hard to ignore statement, "You either trust me in my ability to educate them or you don't."<br />
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So with that manipulative declaration, we pulled our oldest out of a church preschool and I began to scour the Internet and homeschooling catalogs for curriculum. The church we were attending at the time was full of large homeschooling families so advice and encouragement was bountiful. And interestingly I found out quickly that our homeschooling lifestyle would in no way mirror any other. Something that many homeschooling moms/dads struggle with as we do tend to compare the progress and ability of our children to others.<br />
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Of course I had objectives as I had not totally turned my back on my Early Childhood/Elementary Education training. And now that the husband was on board and his natural inclination to co-teach was shining through, we began to sort our way through our own educational philosophy as to how we should teach our children as well as what we should teach. I also would like to add here that my husband forgave me for the manipulative ultimatum early on and is fully on board with the decision we now jointly make in home educating. He's an awesome math tutor, field trip organizer, history teacher, and all-around substitute teacher, and more!<br />
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Our first and most important objective was (and still is) that our children grow up in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Scripture abounds with exhorting the parents to seek the Lord first in parenting and instruction for the child.<br />
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Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.<br />
Proverbs 22:6 <br />
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And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.<br />
Ephesians 6:4<br />
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And you shall teach them your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.<br />
Deut. 11:19<br />
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God's Word plainly commands the parent to teach their children His Word. My husband and I strive to make our home as Word-friendly as possible. By that I mean that we have seen the importance of Bible memorization as early as the child can quote scripture to be paramount. Tim taught the verse John 3:16 to each child and they were able to quote it by age three. The girls were very active in the Awana program at the church we attended. And Bible devotions and teaching has always been the norm in our home. We believe the Christian should now about their faith, the history of God's people, our wonderful heritage, and how it all interconnects so miraculously and beautifully! It is my desire that God's Word be desired, studied, and consumed like bread by our children.<br />
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Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.<br />
II Timothy 2:15<br />
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How sweet are thy words unto my taste! <i>yea, sweeter</i> than honey to my mouth!<br />
Psalms119:103<br />
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I must add a disclaimer here. Our journey,...our homeschooling philosophy...is in no way an indictment upon the public school system or to cast judgement upon others. These are <em>our</em> convictions, this is our family, and we are dutifully about what we believe to be God's leading. <br />
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Several years ago I heard a wise and trusted homeschooling mother of twelve speak about their journey and how the Lord had directed her to the scripture when challenged by family, friends, and strangers regarding their homeschooling choices. She quoted from the book of Nehemiah as he was instrumental in the rebuilding and reestablishment of Jerusalem in the fifth century B.C. following the Babylonian exile. <br />
The scripture she quoted was Nehemiah 6:1-4.<br />
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Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. <span class="text Neh-6-2" id="en-NLT-12380">So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages<sup> </sup>in the plain of Ono.</span><br />
<span class="text Neh-6-2">But I realized they were plotting to harm me,</span> <span class="text Neh-6-3" id="en-NLT-12381">so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”</span><br />
<span class="text Neh-6-4" id="en-NLT-12382">Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.</span><br />
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<span class="text Neh-6-4">She then made the point that Nehemiah had a mission from God and related that back to our mission as parents. She encouraged by saying don't let the naysayers and those that are critical of what God has laid before you bring you down from your wall. I've remembered those words many times as what we do isn't easy and most of the time is very unpopular and questioned. </span><br />
<span class="text Neh-6-4">But when I look into my children's faces and realize<em> they are my mission field</em> at this season of my life, I am encouraged and strengthened knowing I'm about God's will and purposes for us and His kingdom!</span><br />
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Some of the early resources we used regarding Biblical and character training for our children were:<br />
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<a href="http://awana.org/welcometoawana/welcome-to-awana,default,pg.html"><span style="color: blue;">Awana (Scripture Memorization)</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Educating-Wholehearted-Child-Revised-Expanded/dp/1888692006"><span style="color: blue;">Educating the Wholehearted Child by Sally Clarkson</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Mason-Companion-Personal-Reflections/dp/1889209023/ref=pd_sim_b_2"><span style="color: blue;">Charlotte Mason Companion</span></a><br />
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I'll post more later on the curriculum we've used, what has worked for us and what hasn't, homeschooling co-ops, and that misapplied word, "socialization."<br />
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Blessings to you and yours as you love, serve, worship, and obey our Lord Jesus Christ! Julie<br />
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Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-57859763446824993932013-02-20T16:33:00.002-06:002013-02-20T16:33:22.048-06:00Tough Lessons Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back in Mid-January, my husband bought 25 broiler chickens for my son to raise as a 4H project. He will show two chicks at the spring county livestock show in two weeks. <br />
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A couple of days ago we came home from visiting a friend to find dead and dying chicks all over the yard and around the chicken tractor they were being kept in. Our three dogs had dug in under the chicken tractor and proceeded to kill whatever they could catch. It was traumatic for my son as he saw the dying chicks suffering from wounds that couldn't be healed. <br />
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We were able to save six chicks and of those six only three seem to be healthy and without bite marks. It was a learning experience for all of us and it has made us look a bit differently at our dogs. <br />
No, we don't love them less, we just understand more fully that they are animals and sometimes instinct drives them instead of trained behavior. <br />
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Strangely, the dogs have never bothered the free-ranging chickens in the past. That they purposely went for these is a mystery to me.<br />
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Once our remaining broilers have been shown and then processed humanely for our consumption, I'll prefer to remember them as they are pictured in the top two photos. The first picture showing them in all their fluffy innocence and the second picture showing a five-day-old chick that my daughter put to sleep by rubbing it's belly.<br />
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And for those that think farm living is idyllic, I must interject that farm living is hard work, you have to deal with hard truths, and many times things don't turn out as you had planned and purposed. Early morning feedings in the cold and rain make you question why you do it. And coming home to a yard full of wasteful devastation that makes your children cry and ask, "Why?!" , can make you think twice about the choices you've made. And yet we will still move forward in all this animal craziness knowing the risks are there and the emotions are invested whether we like it or not.<br />
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Moving Forward, Julie<br />
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Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-81463241734160440192013-02-11T09:19:00.000-06:002013-02-11T09:19:23.615-06:00This World Is Not My Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xUG5ajkaZ4NleoqO4nVWt0o4OQnRj78Q94jLOv0xY6kXqb1RJc3afTdmCtG7BiaWuRDiIMjajMGg6LeHQDlL3TKrvHLpo2LhR1kFzEYuojFVvc34XJbJKKHPA_sWyq6V8TuQiK2AT-U/s1600/earlynov2011+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xUG5ajkaZ4NleoqO4nVWt0o4OQnRj78Q94jLOv0xY6kXqb1RJc3afTdmCtG7BiaWuRDiIMjajMGg6LeHQDlL3TKrvHLpo2LhR1kFzEYuojFVvc34XJbJKKHPA_sWyq6V8TuQiK2AT-U/s640/earlynov2011+060.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'm reminded daily that this world is not my home and the energy that I exhaust in trying to find comfort in it is futile. The barbs make themselves known more sharply when we endeavor to live above mediocrity and conform to Christ instead <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">of this world. But I must remember that just as my Savior laid down His life for me, I am called to do the same. Remembering:<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ~ Rom. 12:2 ~</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Blessings, Julie</span></div>
</span> Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-84802704560180269672013-02-09T18:42:00.000-06:002013-02-09T18:42:07.396-06:00Before & After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The girls and I started decoupaging this window frame last year and finished it up this past fall.</div>
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But we couldn't figure out what to do with it.</div>
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And we wanted to try and sell it at a craft fair in December.</div>
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BEFORE</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKz0lkqS5XSQHUmXYkMo1Tjw4b40hej_CUdJtSSyMDO2IWaMUFxe_NHvLFO94_YT3oi80XFpaIPEFfYE0I4jRxJD8EAFgRw5tN8k9f_PiPyDCD9T592t_9iUdlLVXcP86VaC5xC7B7Vg/s1600/SEPT2012+220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKz0lkqS5XSQHUmXYkMo1Tjw4b40hej_CUdJtSSyMDO2IWaMUFxe_NHvLFO94_YT3oi80XFpaIPEFfYE0I4jRxJD8EAFgRw5tN8k9f_PiPyDCD9T592t_9iUdlLVXcP86VaC5xC7B7Vg/s640/SEPT2012+220.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
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Back in October I posted this photo on facebook and asked for advice on how we could finish it. Quite a few friends gave their advice and it was so helpful! We decided to put chicken wire on the back of the frame for earrings to hang or to post notes! We then put crystal knobs and ceramics knobs on it for necklaces, belts, and/or scarves. There is also a shelf for rings and bracelets.</div>
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AFTER</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Li2SGDPRVxxnQaAx1oFqOWvhDROHRuDzFpBpsaIDIBIdTI88WAJGX6FMyQWVaWp1nZH805qziMdUZEe5lzm_eUqwgLPZMpj-NfUjpZru1o1vGO2QA73HRPoxKEvyMQu3akt14Mjqo3Y/s1600/IMG_8290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Li2SGDPRVxxnQaAx1oFqOWvhDROHRuDzFpBpsaIDIBIdTI88WAJGX6FMyQWVaWp1nZH805qziMdUZEe5lzm_eUqwgLPZMpj-NfUjpZru1o1vGO2QA73HRPoxKEvyMQu3akt14Mjqo3Y/s640/IMG_8290.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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We were not able to sell it at the craft fair. But that's alright because its now hanging in my bedroom and I'm utilizing it!</div>
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And just to update here, my girls and I are no longer involved in crafting to sell items. Our plate was too full and it was one item that could be removed to give us a little more flexibility in our schedule.</div>
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We made some great memories though...and I hope to keep painting now that I've gotten back into it somewhat. I'm still learning that there is a season for all things.</div>
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Blessings, Julie</div>
<br />Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-35048065622784125562012-11-15T07:41:00.002-06:002012-11-15T07:44:13.669-06:00Silhouette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kN_i3_aP7XMpOJsBwSdbwzP6M5PYDxVRNfLWjpSd7Yz1fp7u7DNaKUas6yFREb7wgtCxC_dHbDzK-Pdfqvd7AKhH3V12Zr_DmiLjVoDpqSygAmDxap4QlrfSRKZuM_kvlsEGXXhb4aM/s1600/January2011+741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kN_i3_aP7XMpOJsBwSdbwzP6M5PYDxVRNfLWjpSd7Yz1fp7u7DNaKUas6yFREb7wgtCxC_dHbDzK-Pdfqvd7AKhH3V12Zr_DmiLjVoDpqSygAmDxap4QlrfSRKZuM_kvlsEGXXhb4aM/s640/January2011+741.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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Oklahoma sunrises and sunsets can make for the near-perfect silhouette photo opportunity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6VL-GyK7Q5y0mnvQjg9BU7vWOunoa_vmKSCbbOvo2aP9-EdJi1FpOxsj7_mmeFckKwVz9xiNXa477OBAfMNiBoJuaGW_Z_9s8aYk24WStHuWL9MBfvL-MstatwDycjrmkfiXtyUdkXY/s1600/January2011+744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6VL-GyK7Q5y0mnvQjg9BU7vWOunoa_vmKSCbbOvo2aP9-EdJi1FpOxsj7_mmeFckKwVz9xiNXa477OBAfMNiBoJuaGW_Z_9s8aYk24WStHuWL9MBfvL-MstatwDycjrmkfiXtyUdkXY/s400/January2011+744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the contrast,...the natural contrast of color and light, but also how this speaks to me poetically. The dead seed-head played dramatically against the sun's departure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpNXJ3Ffvr8WACyultOgYfQ2ljkrhgz9e2zhiUMQrJPYyMCuWIn7qatUl3ui5_tE5gJRG7NVPFEgmrLBOt44ucuHnE1C88QV6QqyQYK0-ioU4xK7wLqDCpZgu3ZqZY1tKZW8kdtzCEBg/s1600/January2011+742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpNXJ3Ffvr8WACyultOgYfQ2ljkrhgz9e2zhiUMQrJPYyMCuWIn7qatUl3ui5_tE5gJRG7NVPFEgmrLBOt44ucuHnE1C88QV6QqyQYK0-ioU4xK7wLqDCpZgu3ZqZY1tKZW8kdtzCEBg/s400/January2011+742.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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God's flourish of color and last glowing light before darkness.<br />
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I'm reminded of a children's book that my husband and I read consistently to our little ones night after night at their insistence, "Goodnight Moon."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywsoWitLId5bWDKSeGG0lxhxwAOq1ARUF3SGqo_Ebt08KlbHaAhyphenhyphenpMXgJVqxy2G0qJ9TkZCWgd0cxApBKKvqy-TJVRlgyNnytn3DpirtCI1HL6qKgPihWcRelAaAwa2Pe8krvJ32eTXQ/s1600/January2011+743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywsoWitLId5bWDKSeGG0lxhxwAOq1ARUF3SGqo_Ebt08KlbHaAhyphenhyphenpMXgJVqxy2G0qJ9TkZCWgd0cxApBKKvqy-TJVRlgyNnytn3DpirtCI1HL6qKgPihWcRelAaAwa2Pe8krvJ32eTXQ/s640/January2011+743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But in this case, I'll say, rather expectantly, "Goodnight, Sun."<br />
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I'm also reminded of this:</div>
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There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. ~ Rev. 22:5 ~</div>
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Blessings, Julie</div>
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Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-54127216862544147742012-11-11T19:58:00.003-06:002012-11-25T07:34:24.450-06:00Moving Forward, Always Moving Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf64PmE5yKU0uBgHEOIFqIHDI5eY83am-3qbBegJrhYtarBiOlBe3B9lAcYeQIylxJn981tMin5Dpx9aDEbveGGmgWlhBR7QPEF6GDGtM4cvegZ2ALTSGQ2S5oVuWpOE8ODGn1Myt-2XI/s1600/SEPT2012+339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf64PmE5yKU0uBgHEOIFqIHDI5eY83am-3qbBegJrhYtarBiOlBe3B9lAcYeQIylxJn981tMin5Dpx9aDEbveGGmgWlhBR7QPEF6GDGtM4cvegZ2ALTSGQ2S5oVuWpOE8ODGn1Myt-2XI/s640/SEPT2012+339.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"> Leavenworth's Eryngo</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Last Spring I had started a series of posts on wildflowers. And while I really enjoyed it, this will be the last in the series. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I just couldn't keep it current due to other responsibilities and besides I don't think we'll be seeing anymore wildflowers until next spring around here. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">This particular early-fall flower is related to the carrot although many believe it to be a thistle, it isn't. But it's a definite favorite of mine!</span><br />
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In other news our little crafting business has kept my girls and me quite busy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibC-uvruaQ9Hn4-FNLlW5919-RLIubmwtYy_JMNv1NJDGeF_E-uJTKPuGN_mGWA9M4oBEGH5P65Ij_L4Cvoj3hOeB2M3i_KALRTJyxFB676X9rFiJFoFX2N0eTyNhxknSlw9tMgOQWlH4/s1600/NOVEMBER2012+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibC-uvruaQ9Hn4-FNLlW5919-RLIubmwtYy_JMNv1NJDGeF_E-uJTKPuGN_mGWA9M4oBEGH5P65Ij_L4Cvoj3hOeB2M3i_KALRTJyxFB676X9rFiJFoFX2N0eTyNhxknSlw9tMgOQWlH4/s400/NOVEMBER2012+063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I posted this painting on facebook just a few days ago and it immediately sold!<br />
Now I just have to figure out all the ins and outs of shipping and handling. We're newbies at all of this but enjoying the excitement of it.<br />
And speaking of excitement, the girls decided to expand our lttle business into making and selling jewelry. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbedPcajVyEKfkFbOSTOKvc5czq02LQcDpujm2OvA9dG_pxUjCglP9tPsja-PY5RV2IHzbZVTiJyDmsW_bafKc-9rwowesAFHofiuCG6ZPQMA7LjO37V0yRlgmNy2j49Ca-JggAzhoZPw/s1600/NOVEMBER2012+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbedPcajVyEKfkFbOSTOKvc5czq02LQcDpujm2OvA9dG_pxUjCglP9tPsja-PY5RV2IHzbZVTiJyDmsW_bafKc-9rwowesAFHofiuCG6ZPQMA7LjO37V0yRlgmNy2j49Ca-JggAzhoZPw/s320/NOVEMBER2012+053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They've been having a lot of fun creating and learning about the skill of jewelry making. They'll be the first to admit that there is still so so much to learn, but I love watching them work together!<br />
We have a craft fair coming up on the first of December, we'll see how the jewelry does. The girls and I are finding that our little business venture is always a learning experience.<br />
And I think that's definitely a plus!<br />
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I hope your week is a productive one as I'm hoping mine is also!<br />
Blessings, Julie<br />
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<br />Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-22583490572074932382012-09-07T14:23:00.001-05:002012-09-07T14:23:49.069-05:00Feasting on His Word<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6317135534/" title="firstfrostoctober2011 014 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6215/6317135534_9fc63a269d_z.jpg" width="563" height="640" alt="firstfrostoctober2011 014"></a>Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-53167914407288395302012-09-02T21:56:00.000-05:002012-09-03T13:49:19.167-05:00A Rooster's TaleOur family has been spending a lot of time at the local county fair this past week.<br />
The children showed goats, horses, and calves. <br />
Crafts and items that were sewn were also entered.<br />
And strangely, on a wild trip back to retrieve horses, immediately after the goat show, my husband decided to also bring our wild, Buff Orpington rooster, Dash.<br />
Welcome to the rest of the world, Dash!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2eaoZboJMOg0-vznWcVOL_Kp-_XX2EO1jGcZ0CULo3NZ58-a7kbYv1cOlxPryS0HoSJeZE2DqidzoMROrBcBV7JUfK1Bi9L42CPXjGbV_hOaI98EMfptuUmAw0c7FOdDPiykNh_p3uw/s1600/august2012+229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2eaoZboJMOg0-vznWcVOL_Kp-_XX2EO1jGcZ0CULo3NZ58-a7kbYv1cOlxPryS0HoSJeZE2DqidzoMROrBcBV7JUfK1Bi9L42CPXjGbV_hOaI98EMfptuUmAw0c7FOdDPiykNh_p3uw/s640/august2012+229.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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I was bit incredulous at Dash being a "show chicken" at first.<br />
Dash is a wild rooster and mean at that...the spittin' image of his Pa, the late Mr. Incredible.<br />
Here is one of my favorite photos of Mr. Incredible.<br />
I think it catches his true character. Mean.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6916428537/" title="April2011 The Late Mr. Incredible by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="April2011 The Late Mr. Incredible" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6916428537_844ca805aa_z.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
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Here are several posts that mentioned Mr. Incredible:<br />
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<a href="http://lifeatfortyacrefarm.blogspot.com/2011/07/life-forty-acre-farm.html"><span style="color: blue;">Life At Forty Acre Farm</span></a><br />
<a href="http://lifeatfortyacrefarm.blogspot.com/2011/05/lots-of-shtuff-planned-butcherin.html"><span style="color: blue;">Lots of Shtuff and a Planned Butcherin'</span></a><br />
<a href="http://lifeatfortyacrefarm.blogspot.com/2011/05/birds-on-brainagain.html"><span style="color: blue;">Birds on the Brain Again</span></a><br />
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Mr. Incredible was mean beyond belief. And we were told that B.O. roosters were usually docile.<br />
Not so with Mr. Incredible. He was out for blood. When he died prematurely, I was not saddened.<br />
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But alas, this tale is about Dash and I must get back to the point of it.<br />
A year ago, August, Dash was born underneath our porch.<br />
I had let the chickens free-range because it was so hot. His mother, Myrtle, had decided underneath the porch was where she wanted her brood born. And he was born there, directly underneath the Welcome mat. <br />
As we have cats, my oldest daughter was concerned the little fluff-ball would become a cat treat. With my blessing she crawled up under the porch and captured our soon to be named Dash.<br />
Oddly that would be the last time Dash was touched by a human being until nearly a year later to the date when my husband decided at the last minute to throw him into a pet crate and bring him to the fair.<br />
And so, I, exhausted from walking to and fro from barn to barn to Exhibit hall and back through the whole crazy sequence of tracking down kids and making sure they were dressed to show their animals, barely gave ole Dash a second thought but to tell my husband his precious time had probably been wasted in bringing the mean ole bird.<br />
That was Tuesday.<br />
On Wednesday, we were due back to the fairgrounds for several commitments and were also eager to see how the girls had done with their entries in the Exhibit hall. My husband met us in the Exhibit Hall after loading the horses to take them home. He had a funny grin on his face. I asked him what's up and he then told me I needed to go visit Dash in the poultry barn. I laughed and said something like, "that bird didn't place did, he?" All my husband said was, "let's go see."<br />
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And this is what I saw. Wow, who knew....who knew a ridiculously wild, ungroomed rooster could be transformed in a moment into a show chicken. I'm still somewhat in a state of disbelief. But hey, you know what they say, truth can be stranger than fiction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvHOl_HC-pH4aujKYWX_H-98OkVhceP40yt8uuVJo4VOz4F-SSvQviW1NUnaTR92rjDXkSbZz38WIjhzhrLWKUZETa5MTQ0ifiddyS9V_WXEp9jTiq9ivH1RtTTRGEctJ5W3SKpiUKJY/s1600/august2012+231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvHOl_HC-pH4aujKYWX_H-98OkVhceP40yt8uuVJo4VOz4F-SSvQviW1NUnaTR92rjDXkSbZz38WIjhzhrLWKUZETa5MTQ0ifiddyS9V_WXEp9jTiq9ivH1RtTTRGEctJ5W3SKpiUKJY/s640/august2012+231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Blessings, And have a great week!<br />
Julie <br />
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Click on the purple link to visit other homesteading related posts and great blogs!<br />
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<a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/09/homestead-barn-hop-77.html"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Homestead Barn Hop #77</span></a><br />
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Barn-Hop.jpg" title="Barn-Hop" width="250" />Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-15524563102557333802012-08-22T06:29:00.000-05:002012-08-22T06:29:34.241-05:00Here at the FarmWe've accumulated quite the menagerie.<br />
There are the Boer goats.<br />
They must be exercised for the fair!<br />
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So we <strike>pull </strike> walk them up to the beginning of our driveway, line them up and then scream like a bunch of banshees to get them to run back towards the barn. We repeat this a couple of hundred times except for the screaming like a bunch of banshees because the goats are on to us now and usually just trot a few yards and commence to eating the dried-up oak leaves. It sounds like they're eating potato chips.<br />
Anyway we have someone stand down near the barn with a food container now, it works.<br />
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The horses are being readied for the fair also.<br />
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And let's not forget our bovine friends, they'll be shown at the fair also.<br />
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Some days the time and effort can be a bit much. But really the pay-off is that the time and effort involved is helping to teach our children about responsibility. We're also instilling in them a realistic view of what it takes to keep animals healthy and properly maintianed. <br />
I'm hoping they'll look back on these busy days fondly.<br />
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In other news, my boy was baptized a couple of weeks ago! We're rejoicing.</div>
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Blessings to you and yours, Julie</div>
Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-89419893667887416632012-08-09T12:26:00.000-05:002012-08-09T12:26:11.003-05:00A Few Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ubTXWj1i9TkGGkqoBLVuaZuN73kGBebRxp0pwiNQqwYHq8HRiuWQeStn4FnGd_ZE7L7632skMpDBJ9BJ1FV5ajKhdDA2UHTdjbsIo8FgIHPftVUSMhY0rVWsZbMWmG9fWjiiArTKr2U/s1600/April2012+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ubTXWj1i9TkGGkqoBLVuaZuN73kGBebRxp0pwiNQqwYHq8HRiuWQeStn4FnGd_ZE7L7632skMpDBJ9BJ1FV5ajKhdDA2UHTdjbsIo8FgIHPftVUSMhY0rVWsZbMWmG9fWjiiArTKr2U/s640/April2012+075.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
My boy's bouquet of spring wildflowers.<br />
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Daisy Mae, our doeling Kinder goat.</div>
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Rudbeckia blooming in the pasture this past spring.</div>
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I don't know why this speaks to me, but it does...</div>
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My sunflowers went the way of drought and grasshoppers this year. But I was able to get a picture of one before it's demise.</div>
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I hope your summer has been productive and pleasant where you are.</div>
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Here, in central Oklahoma, we're still experiencing extreme drought conditions. Wildfires have been common and many have lost their homes within a sixty mile radius. The small town where we attend church saw multiple homes burned down to the south of it this past weekend.</div>
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Please agree with me in prayer that our Lord, our Provider, would send long nourishing rains to the midwest.</div>
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Thank you, Julie</div>
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<br /></div>Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-42955589266453866592012-07-12T13:09:00.001-05:002012-07-12T15:20:16.321-05:00Just A Little Bit of This & That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiiLaEzKfW3HFYOf8sr7-s4kRELG0OmSIjtfNqFRYHhC8kByiPNl9tIY76paucQ0W5eqwhukgw7pRZ1KUvJM9Y7-fUcwXimtwqxbxzUWgPoxyIEFkX0uNHpIZBsHQU32idAt4YXU_Kog/s1600/June2012+139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiiLaEzKfW3HFYOf8sr7-s4kRELG0OmSIjtfNqFRYHhC8kByiPNl9tIY76paucQ0W5eqwhukgw7pRZ1KUvJM9Y7-fUcwXimtwqxbxzUWgPoxyIEFkX0uNHpIZBsHQU32idAt4YXU_Kog/s640/June2012+139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="color: #38761d;">Button Bush is blooming by the water's edge.</span></span><br />
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Recently I was able to get down to the lake for some much needed time alone.<br />
As a stay-at-home mom and homeschooler, I'm with my children 24/7. I need a break sometimes and God's creation always provides me with that much needed respite from our daily routine of taking care of animals, schooling, and life in general.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"> Thistle grows in the pasture.</span><br />
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While hiking down through the pasture, I am afforded time to ponder the beauty that surrounds me and appreciate the blessings that are my family back at the house. I have time to be thankful and praise the One who fills my cup.<br />
Upon reaching the lake, I am refreshed by gazing out over the water and observing the plants that make their home here. <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"> American Germainder & Frogfruit</span><br />
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Another plant that grows near the water and is quite unique is Button Bush. The multi-flowered globes attract many butterflies and nectar seeking creatures to their sweet-smelling buffet. There really is a perfumed scent in the air when these wonderful plants are blooming!<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"> Skipper on Button Bush</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">My time spent on these walks is a time of reflection, prayer, and photographing God's rich creation. I'm never disappointed by what awaits me when I can get away for just a short time. </span><br />
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In other news, this summer has been quite varied in activity. In early June, our little guy kept us busy at trying to negotiate schedules to get him to ball practice and games.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;">Here my little guy is bunting...he even got a homerun off a bunt in one game!</span></div>
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And then immediately following baseball, he attended a cub scout day-camp for a week.</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;">He looks every bit of the "happy camper" doesn't he?</span><br />
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It was during this particular week of June that we went through an intense heat wave. Temperatures climbed dangerously high every day and I prayed hard my little guy would be taken care of properly. It is so hard letting go.<br />
The critter count has climbed dramatically and the chicken that was broody successfully hatched out two chicks. Now my whole flock is displaced just to accomodate her and her brood.<br />
We've purchased two more goats in addition to the Kinder goats that I had posted about previously. The two new ones are Boers and are show goats for the girls.<br />
My day begins around 5:30 and we try to get the kids outside by 6:30 to help feed the horses, cows, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. The girls have started working with the ponies as they will show them at the fair the end of August. <br />
Of course there's much more...so much more...just like your place...it's a constant moving forward. <br />
And with all this activity I must say I fail to relate to the phrase, "I'm bored."<br />
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Staying busy and thanking God for our blessings,<br />
JulieJulie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-69761054546890010422012-06-12T06:33:00.001-05:002012-06-12T06:33:40.566-05:00Kinder Goats For Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uBAVD3hZqB5KqqnLX-_7z-9Ba0qXmEa1ueL7E7b7lupcRWWTLmWaMjhpqOxaMyQHbSihlDyPWfKrtdYmCB_WmiWQ1QgSL_6J6R6P1JYPieEteDjbMZCcdVBSONkkuF7uKNJkQ6dpZbw/s1600/June2012+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uBAVD3hZqB5KqqnLX-_7z-9Ba0qXmEa1ueL7E7b7lupcRWWTLmWaMjhpqOxaMyQHbSihlDyPWfKrtdYmCB_WmiWQ1QgSL_6J6R6P1JYPieEteDjbMZCcdVBSONkkuF7uKNJkQ6dpZbw/s640/June2012+100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This past weekend Tim drove up to northeastern Kansas to purchase a couple of little Kinder goats. He was actually also picking up a baler so the goats were a plus in the whole deal!<br />
Kinder goats are a dual purpose goat (meat/dairy) that are a mix between a nubian and pygmy.<br />
If you would like to learn more about them you can go to these links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.kindergoatbreeders.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Kinder Goat Breeders Association</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats/kinder/index.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Oklahoma State University Education: Breeds of Goats</span></a><br />
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This is a new venture for us and we're excited about the possibilities, but also aware of the commitment that we've taken on..<br />
Eventually, it is our hope to have these two breed and the doe produce offspring to sell. Kinders are prolific bearers and it isn't uncommon for a doe to birth quadruplets. Milk consumption for our family is also a goal. In recent years, I've become lactose intolerant and hope that since goats milk is more easily digestable it will solve my milk drinking woes. The girls and I hope to try our hand at soaps, lotions, and cheese-making, too.<br />
Oh the plans we have for these two! <br />
By the way their names are Willow and Daisy. Willow our buck is the brown colored one while the doe, Daisy, is the black and white goat. It is my desire that the future herd would also have botanically inspired names. <br />
Strangely, I thought this summer would be a more laid back one, but what with taking care of goats and bottle-feeding three Holstien calves, gardening, and trying to attempt some schooling it's definitely been a busier one.<br />
But I wouldn't have it any other way!<br />
Blessings, Julie<br />
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<br />Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-48770107597984257452012-06-05T07:58:00.000-05:002012-07-12T03:57:51.712-05:00Beauty Exists Here in AbundanceI haven't forgotten that I was going to post wildflower photos on a regular basis throughout the growing season this spring and summer. Commitments regarding kids, family, and even some unexpected ones have prevented me from being able to get outdoors for extended periods of time to photograph the abundance of blooms we're seeing here. I guess that's just life, huh. But I did get a little collage of flying flowers put together in the early morning hours while drinking my coffee and found a picture of goatsbeard.<br />
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And here is a photo of Goatsbeard, one of my favorite wildflowers.<br />
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Time now to go wake two of the cherubs, only two as my middle-child is at church camp. And Momma is missing her bright, spunky ways. It's been a little too quiet for me. But I'll feed her little bottle-calf for her and look forward to her being back to do so herself.<br />
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Blessings, JulieJulie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-24134876669568624502012-06-04T03:44:00.000-05:002012-06-04T03:44:09.504-05:00A Couple of Painted & Decorated CanvasesIn the post before this one, I had mentioned that the girls and I are decorating canvases. <br />
We've really enjoyed the process of getting creative. <br />
These pictures measure 7x14 and were so much fun to paint.<br />
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So that's just a little peek at some of what we're selling at craft shows. And to be honest we haven't sold a lot but we're having fun and coming up with new ideas all the time while hoping to find what people will buy. The girls and I are learning about the economic side of a small business and we're making memories that I know will last a lifetime.</div>
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Blessings, Julie </div>
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<br /></div>Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-25305303295495116112012-06-03T20:47:00.000-05:002012-06-03T20:47:32.679-05:00Honey Locust Creations & Designs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt6Vp5G7o7BzglnqmvOZAxQbaTTdVmEP_d8HvQUxfoqdrK4Sbetpfv86BGDafwXKbv_s2FFD0Gt2NrU16rTJDthgjt6YUWcmVj8t2CuJopQJrUZUFSNirkvuVzIkhJdiRh92jHEyZp3A/s1600/MARCH2012+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt6Vp5G7o7BzglnqmvOZAxQbaTTdVmEP_d8HvQUxfoqdrK4Sbetpfv86BGDafwXKbv_s2FFD0Gt2NrU16rTJDthgjt6YUWcmVj8t2CuJopQJrUZUFSNirkvuVzIkhJdiRh92jHEyZp3A/s640/MARCH2012+107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've started a new little business on the side. And when I say little, it really is. But the girls and I have enjoyed working and creating together.<br />
There are magnetic dominoes decorated with scrapbook paper and jewels.<br />
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The girls decorated flip-flops with strips of colorful bandanas.<br />
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And we've been painting canvases and adding a bit of mixed media to them. <br />
I'll try and post pictures soon but can't now as our internet provider is just not providing that umpf needed to do so.<br />
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Catching up a bit, we've got three little one month old bottle calves and are working on aquiring some goats. My oldest wants to show a Boer goat at the fair and next Spring Livestock show and I'm wanting some dairy goats. Have you ever heard of Kinder goats? If you're curious, you can read about them<a href="http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats/kinder/index.htm"> <span style="color: blue;">here</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> .</span><br />
Gotta go, blessings, Julie<br />Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-60270989783203941632012-05-01T08:29:00.000-05:002012-05-01T08:29:51.558-05:00Departure Day/ Field Trip<br />
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This morning we were up before dawn. <br />
Tim borrowed a truck from a friend and also the friend's gooseneck trailer. We have a truck but no gooseneck trailer attachment. We have a trailer, but not near large enough for all the broads and their offspring. We are blessed with some very generous people in our lives.<br />
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Speaking of blessed, this is the blessed day that the huge, pasture-plodding bovines will depart...yahoo!!!<br />
I've looked forward to this day since they set hoof on our place back fall!<br />
Of course we learned a lot from these gals and their babies regarding beef cattle.<br />
I posted an entry <a href="http://lifeatfortyacrefarm.blogspot.com/2012/01/workin-some-calves.html"><span style="color: purple;">here</span></a> regarding tagging and vaccinating calves.<br />
And I'm thankful for the foreseeable profit that will probably go to a much-needed ATV,...but in all honesty, this day couldn't have come sooner. <br />
Needless to say, although, I'm gonna say it, I won't miss them at all.<br />
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Good-bye Tuff-Stuff! You were a lot of trouble but probably the best momma-cow we had! I will not miss your wild ways nor odor! I will not miss running through the neighbor's pasture to try and get you and your troublesome calf back into ours. Adios!<br />
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And Tata to you Mother Gothal! You were the bully of the bunch. And that's really all I've got...Good-bye.<br />
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This will be a fieldtrip for the kids and their dad.<br />
They're heading to the Oklahoma City Stockyards. <br />
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I think he'll be treating them to the locally famous Cattleman's Steakhouse there.<br />
I'll be treating myself to frozen yogurt in town later today.<br />
And I'll be smiling as I remember the last I saw of those bovine broads as they exited our property.<br />
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So that's that!<br />
Next project??? Bottle calves and goats...it's never-ending folks.<br />
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Happy trails to you, JulieJulie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-59598291302825471622012-04-01T05:01:00.000-05:002013-04-26T19:02:26.596-05:00March Wildflowers ConclusionThe children and I went hiking several days ago on the property just to the south of us. I had gotten permission from the landowner last week when I was fervently looking for morel mushrooms. No mushrooms were found but many wildflowers were spotted. His property isn't as heavily grazed as ours and had some wonderful land formations such as deep gullies and waterfalls down towards the lake that both of our properties border.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/7031876647/" title="MARCH2012 060 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 060" height="411" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/7031876647_72ed8a2e87_z.jpg" width="618" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">The children played and searched for tadpoles.</span><br />
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The little stream we followed led me to find a flower that I had never knowingly observed before.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/7031800089/" title="MARCH2012 080 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 080" height="337" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/7031800089_04d57d30a5_z.jpg" width="538" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">Yellow Fumewort</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/7031791457/" title="MARCH2012 083 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 083" height="213" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7031791457_7953a4da7f_z.jpg" width="515" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">I took this picture of the leaves to help me identify later.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">This little plant was growing very near the water. I thought I had better get a picture of the stem and leaves for the purpose of identifying later.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/7031776191/" title="MARCH2012 091 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 091" height="615" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/7031776191_1290f93a0e_z.jpg" width="597" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">Violet Wood Sorrel</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The toadflax that my youngest is holding is one of my favorite wildflowers, but again, I have many.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/7031688609/" title="MARCH2012 072 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 072" height="353" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7031688609_c883fd182a.jpg" width="321" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">Toadflax</span><br />
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Of course there were many other wildflowers that were blooming that I did not include. I've got pictures of dandelion, bladderpod, and more. But currently, due to life in general ie lack of time, I'm not able to include all of what I've found. I will continue to post pics and show many though, just not all.<br />
My husband and I did a bit of hiking yesterday and I noticed that the spiderwort, yarrow, rudbeckia, and tickseed will soon be blooming. I'm sure I'll be posting pictures of these during my April Wildflowers post.<br />
Have a wonderful Sunday and rest of week!<br />
JulieJulie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-45021696657647646572012-03-22T08:08:00.000-05:002012-03-22T08:08:50.580-05:00Our Teen, More Wildflowers, & A Sssnake!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6859471436/" title="MARCH2012 112 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 112" height="298" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6052/6859471436_ce85074a0a.jpg" width="219" /></a><br />
<br />
Recently, my oldest turned thirteen.<br />
I wasn't ready!<br />
Honestly, some days I wish that the hands of time could be turned back to her infancy and I could redo so much.<br />
She's a good kid, but bless her heart, her mother has a horrible temper.<br />
She wanted her ears piereced. They are now.<br />
My young teen is beautiful but dealing with an old-fashioned, ridiculously conservative mama is going to stretch her...and stretch the old mama at the same time.<br />
I'm praying for elasticity.<br />
<br />
Here are a few more wildflowers:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/7005591361/" title="MARCH2012 268 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 268" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7005591361_882dde56ee_z.jpg" width="554" /></a><br />
Roundleaf Groundsel<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6859471470/" title="MARCH2012 257 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 257" height="522" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/6859471470_097e167f6d_z.jpg" width="585" /></a><br />
Wild Violet<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6859471512/" title="MARCH2012 267 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 267" height="489" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/6859471512_8906edd6a7_z.jpg" width="610" /></a><br />
Fringed Puccoon<br />
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Of course, while tramping over prairie and through the woods, we're already seeing the wildlife that the warmer spring temperatures are rousing. The snakes are already active. <br />
This is just one of several I've already seen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6859471574/" title="MARCH2012 217 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 217" height="333" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6060/6859471574_64d866d72e_z.jpg" width="610" /></a><br />
Some type of water snake <br />
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And one of my favorite hiking companions is the three-legged dog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46744192@N04/6832948156/" title="MARCH2012 063 by Julie in OK, on Flickr"><img alt="MARCH2012 063" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6832948156_3f800485f4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Now to wake up kids and start the day!<br />
Blessings, JulieJulie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5911244661188103683.post-78564231820189796442012-03-16T08:54:00.000-05:002012-03-16T08:54:12.459-05:00March Wildflowers Part IIRecently, I received an email from a friend that appreciates wildflowers in much the same way that I do. <br />
Her words reminding me of Matthew 5:44-45.<br />
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44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<br />
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Wildflowers are nondiscriminating, growing around abandoned houses or lots as well as finding their way into the landscaping of your more affluent homes. Wildflowers have the tenacity and perseverance that I long to have in my Christian walk.<br />
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1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12: 1-2<br />
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I put together a collage showing a few of the wildflowers we see in our yard in March:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZHGLzWfLvCM51FhmnzgMU6Di7oYH21VXd8iyH9EFXhmqbg9Tw1yqM6VOc6x6GTkSorY9J2Kt58GFFD4HerzjzWJjCCJEIkR063JytiiRkHF5RLk1gAm-r8unoBPw6R34OTv07WwJzGQ/s1600/100_6637-1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZHGLzWfLvCM51FhmnzgMU6Di7oYH21VXd8iyH9EFXhmqbg9Tw1yqM6VOc6x6GTkSorY9J2Kt58GFFD4HerzjzWJjCCJEIkR063JytiiRkHF5RLk1gAm-r8unoBPw6R34OTv07WwJzGQ/s640/100_6637-1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">Clockwise from top left; Henbit, Spring Beautys, Muscari/Grape Hycinth, Johnny Jump-ups</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We're also seeing False Garlic and Bluets.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJaGue3X9o5gmI9UJuzJOKQefGjuBIBlvHS_4h19XrvrxGlr7vmxC6qAf2IHEBg8u5BWOnPasZ-MmxmfK_jxVPzEaJpTSLv88l0WVv4N_GXWR-lR7ok5DJJjNON_tnSH0QGK5eITl8zY/s1600/100_7631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJaGue3X9o5gmI9UJuzJOKQefGjuBIBlvHS_4h19XrvrxGlr7vmxC6qAf2IHEBg8u5BWOnPasZ-MmxmfK_jxVPzEaJpTSLv88l0WVv4N_GXWR-lR7ok5DJJjNON_tnSH0QGK5eITl8zY/s400/100_7631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;"> False Garlic</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dQkNgMBI6vWM6LC3-wd1OSYhuBJmZO5Oalp8iXTkCq6Sm4wI64qX1n7UHCAIJ5FAWT_5uQ8ssSxsuKSS36bYYaxuz6EvkKBCxbjKwkkjG1da4wkVAgujfEY2rMP7JODgvbVOlrW0E8A/s1600/MARCH2012+175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dQkNgMBI6vWM6LC3-wd1OSYhuBJmZO5Oalp8iXTkCq6Sm4wI64qX1n7UHCAIJ5FAWT_5uQ8ssSxsuKSS36bYYaxuz6EvkKBCxbjKwkkjG1da4wkVAgujfEY2rMP7JODgvbVOlrW0E8A/s320/MARCH2012+175.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;"> Bluets</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The children and I have done some daily hiking down through the pasture and to the woods and lake as of late. I've been searching for morel mushrooms. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">We've discovered the snakes are active as well as the ticks. </span><br />
But, I will persevere with my search and bring you yet more wild blooms!<br />
Blessings, Julie<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Julie...http://www.blogger.com/profile/13431750246129225855noreply@blogger.com5