My Latest Acquisition of Sunshine

We had a blast at a friend's yard sale last week.  Blossom2 made whoopie pies, which sold really well, of course.  All the Blossoms made dog treats to sell.  It was refreshing to have the younger Blossoms fully involved with the dog treat baking process... and I do so "enjoy" the smell of whole wheat flour baking.  

The day began at the crack of dawn it seemed, but it was full of sunshine and good fellowship.  We moseyed around the neighborhood with friends, scoping out the yard sale scene.  

We discovered that Blossom3 has a fabulous bent for negotiating prices.  The rest of the Blossoms took to handing their merchandise and money to her so that she could haggle for them.  We'll certainly keep that in mind for her future career.  

I was thrilled to find these china plates for my tea party collection.  The sweet little handles on this one are so unique.

I do have a thing for dainty florals, for sure!  

I just enjoy putting delicious homemade goodies on vintage plates.  They are like a ray of sunshine!

We wrapped up the day with a few hours in the pool, cooling off.  Then, it was home for sloppy joes and baked potatoes.  

Summer fun!

Jochebed ~ Courage to Live in Terrible Times

I love the story of Jochebed.  Have you heard of this courageous lady?  She's not very famous but she's Moses' mom.

Her story is of the Israelite people, living in slavery, in a culture that was thoroughly hostile to them as whole.  The Israelites faced oppression by a dictator and his people, ruthless in their demands, even to the point of directing their baby boys to be killed at birth!

During these terrible times, an Israelite woman named Jochebed had a baby.  She hid him for a time and then, when she could hide him from Pharaoh's terrible edict no longer, she made a basket.  She put baby Moses in it and floated him in the Nile.  The princess found him!  What in the world made her think of making a basket?!!!

Sometimes when the culture around me grows more evil every day, I wonder how it is I can prepare my children for living for God in the days ahead.  It's something that I mull over in those quiet hours of nightfall.  

Jochebed inspires me.  The plan wasn't fancy.  God directed her to go get a basket.  

We live in these end times the same way, following God's direction as He leads.  It often isn't fancy.  It's simple and God-inspired.

After the princess discovered Moses in that practical little pitch-covered basket, he was given back to Jochebed until he was weaned.  Somehow in that short time, Jochebed planted seeds in Moses to prepare him for the call God had on his life.  

As a mom, it's easy to get bogged down looking for a fancy plan.  We think if we find the perfect book or just do and say that exact right thing, they'll follow Jesus.

Just "go get a basket."  Just follow His leading.  Obey Him one practical, Spirit-led step at a time. 

That's how we'll have courage to raise our children for Jesus in terrible times.  

Dominique

If you'd like to read Jochebed's story, check out Exodus 1-2.

Hope you enjoyed the farm snapshots of life around here lately.

A Chicky-Bird

This homebred little chicky-bird thinks Blossom1 is her mama!

Though "Ashna's" feather patterns are a little "interesting," we're delighted with this chick's personality and friendliness.  It's comical to hear her coo and cluck as she perches on our fingers and enjoys quality time with us.

We don't know how she'll do at the Fair, but we're ecstatic to have bred and hatched her right her on our micro farm.

Dominique

All the Feels

When you tiptoe into Blossom4's bedroom, only to find her snuggled up with your 35 year old vintage handmade-by-your-Mom Raggedy Ann treasure.

All the heart eyes!

Those Projects Though

There are so many neat projects going on right now.  

Embroidering and beading.

Music making.

Masterpiece creating.

I'm not gonna lie ~ the in between of in progress creations cluttering all level surfaces can be hard for me, but I have been mostly patient with their help.  The dining room table has always been the project hub and with the four girls in their hands in a variety of projects, it can get full fast.  Blossom2 especially helps me to keep it tidy when she can tell that the the out of control project messes start to bother me.  

I remind myself often, sometimes even actually whispering to myself, that I'm delighted to see the summer project work coming along.  

This is what I wanted!  

To foster creativity!  

To master useful and beautifying life skills!  

To practice failing and perfecting in the pursuit of a goal!

It beautiful and yes, it's messy,

but I'm so excited!

Dominique

PS - Blossom4 is not pictured.  Mostly because she is too busy plastering slime to the ceiling.

From Peace to Joy

Sitting on the porch swing in the relative quiet of farm and household life, leafing through the pages of the Word, this verse struck deep in my heart.  

"...Those who promote peace have joy."

Proverbs 12:20b, NIV

I asked myself, "Am I promoting peace all day long here in our home?"

It's a hard question, because although I *WANT* to promote peace in our home 

and I resolve to promote peace in our home, I fall short, time and again, as all humans do.  

I was encouraged to continue.  To keep promoting peace in our home.  To speak calmly.  To love faithfully.  To choose my words wisely.

Promoting peace on a daily basis is often sacrificial, as most things moms do.

The message to me came through loud and clear, like an arrow to my heart.  

Continue to make the sacrifice to promote peace in our home and 

God will make sure that I have joy.  

Dominique

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