7 degree morning

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Shanda

After an unseasonably warm start to winter, the temperature dropped to five degrees last night.

As the children prepared for school, my thoughts went to the chickens and I knew their water would be frozen and I would soon be stepping outside to carry some down. Sometimes I dread it. Most times I send one of the kids. Today I couldn’t wait to go myself.

I put on a dark purple down coat, a neon orange stretch hat, gloves and boots. I was smiling. A New Englander through and through, I loved the sound of my quick stepping boots crunching and squeaking lightly over the frozen grass. My the tip of my nose was numb and my cheeks burned in the icy wind.

I thought about the essay I read by Rose Wilder Lane about her frustration that in her opinion, her mother Laura was a “slave to hens”.

Laura must have been smiling at times on her way to the coop, too. I poured hot water over the the feed, making a sort of “oatmeal”. She did the same, on a much grander scale. She loved caring for her flock and took pride in the fact that in their community, she was the only one who kept them producing eggs even in the dead of winter. They were happy, nurtured, cared for. One of the several definitions for the word “slave” is “a person who is strongly influenced and controlled by something.”

I suppose we are a slave (albeit willingly) when we serve someone or something in such a sacrificial way, from our God, our husbands and children, to our community, to our animals, our careers…….it’s not a bad thing. It’s beautiful, especially when it is done with love.

Do everything in love 1 Corinthians 16:14

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends John 15:13

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

With one hand holding my camera and the other holding my coat sleeve over my frozen nose, I took these pictures for you, this morning.

by our love

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Shanda

“Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”

Christmastime this year has been made brighter by the visit of my precious friend, Hannah. I mentioned a few blog posts ago, when I posted pictures of the blouse she made me, that she is the only friend I have that has battled depression. I have struggled once again with that old curse that I hate so much, and during this time, according to the typical nature of depression, I found myself closing off from almost everyone around me…..except for Hannah. She lives so far away, in the beautiful state of Alaska, but she graciously and promptly answered all my texts, responding hastily with the love of Jesus, verses, encouragement. We talked several times on the phone. I felt comfortable voicing those parts of my heart that needed expression and light.

And then came the moment when she asked if she could come and visit me. She couldn’t take the depression away but she could sit by my side in full understanding. I’ll never forget her words, “If I had to go through depression in order to help you, it was worth it.” We felt the visit was truly God-ordained, even to the price of her round trip, only 36 dollars!

Jesus is always with us, He promised in his Word that He would never leave us, nor forsake us. I believe that He uses His people in tangible ways to love us. What I mean is, Hannah has been *my Jesus with skin on*. I hope that doesn’t sound disrespectful. Jesus is within all believers, we are a temple of the Holy Spirit, we have this treasure in jars of clay, and as we hold one another, sit beside one another, speak to one another, we are experiencing His love through a brother or sister in Christ. He loves me through her. As I spent time with her, I felt as if Jesus Himself was with me.

Hannah is not the only friend I have like this. If you’re reading this and you’re my friend then it is the same with you. God places certain people in our lives whom we cannot forget even if we might sometimes want to. Their names are written on our hearts. I have friends that I will be loyal to until the day I die, I simply cannot neglect the brothers and sisters in Christ that God has brought into my world. I’m thinking of so many people right now that have shared my life with me, and I with them, many of them are my own relatives but some of them are not. Why does He do this? I have to believe that it is because part of the work He has for us to do is to love each other deeply, encourage each other, sacrifice time and energy, so that the journey through life is not without abundant support and meaning. It’s a beautiful thing to see.

The Bible says, “If we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.”

HOW AMAZING IS THAT?

I found a quote on Pinterest that says it well: “When God puts love and compassion in your heart toward someone, He’s offering you an opportunity to make a difference in that person’s life. You must learn to follow that love. Don’t ignore it. Act on it. Someone needs what you have.”

I’ve been writing about lifelong relationships, but this concept of being an instrument of God’s love applies to the “one time” act of kindness for a random stranger, too. How many people have we unconsciously showed grace and love to, without even being aware that our smile, our small conversation, our politeness, touched someone’s life in a meaningful way at just the right time? How many times did a stranger touch our hearts with kindness that made us thank God then and there?

Surely, God is in full operation at ALL TIMES. Moving, breathing, shepherding us THROUGH EACH OTHER. (and his Word, his World, and so many other ways, too). Praise Him with me!

Oh for eyes that see and give Him glory. And in all things, to give thanks.

A few days ago Hannah and I went to a museum together. We drove into the city, parked in a parking garage, and walked a few blocks to the museum. It was a special time at the museum, too, because of Christmas, there were decorated trees and choirs singing as we wandered delightfully through the rooms. Oh how we loved the artwork! We came away determined to enjoy more art and Hannah wants to study art history. It was fascinating.

I took a few photos of the trees. The first picture in this blog post is one that an older lady did. She lives in a nursing home and knitted every single ornament and garland for her tree. I loved it. I loved imagining her working on it.

A bird tree, a tree decorated with origami which reminded me of my David who loves to fold paper, and another view of the “yarn” tree.

A Harry Potter tree! (David is reading all the books these days, he’s now on #6)

And then we made our way into the art exhibits. There was a folded card which showed the details of each painting so we took advantage of that and studied each one.

There was so much spiritual depth in the works, some we understood, others we felt as if there was more to learn….which I suppose is one of the purposes of museums and art…to create a thirst for knowledge as we appreciate the beauty.

And, by the way, we both wore blouses that Hannah made herself~art from the sewing machine!

that beautiful blue color

Book of Hours from the 1400’s. Imagine the work that went into this amazing book and all the hands that touched it through the years.

Egyptian cat

Amazingly carved linden wood.

“Still life with Ham”

a GORGEOUS silver center piece which we stood and looked at for a while

This too! A birdcage!

made entirely of porcelain (I think…or something similar)….amazing detail and beauty

God’s art….above and beyond anything we could even imagine!

God made Hannah, too, a beautiful work of art, and He made YOU as well…so special and unique, truly one of a kind.

After seeing as much as we could possibly absorb in one day, we made our way to lunch at the cafe and then shopped the gift shop for Christmas gifts.

It was a memorable day with a dear friend.

You are LOVED!

{this moment}

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Shanda

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

this was a good idea

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Shanda

Last night four of our seven children were away. Two of them went to youth group and two of them went to see the movie “The Martian”. Rich and I found ourselves at home with the three youngest ones, and as we worked on putting them to bed I started looking forward to some peace and quiet with my husband watching TV. This thought naturally led to a craving for ice cream but alas, we didn’t have any. As we passed each other on the stairs I may or may not have batted my eyes at him. “Do you want to go downtown and get us some ice cream? You don’t have to, but we don’t have any in the freezer and wouldn’t it be nice…..?”

Although he did make eye contact and listen to my request, he didn’t reply, only sneezed violently. But as I tucked Sarah into bed and gave her a pillowcase with a soft tag, a drink of water, and a hug and kiss, I heard the front door open and shut and he was gone.

I didn’t have the chance to tell him exactly what kind of ice cream I was craving but I wasn’t worried, I assumed he would get a nice half gallon of whatever–cookie dough, maybe.

I tucked myself up into the corner of the couch with a blanket and the TV remote and in no time at all, in he walked with a weather report, “It’s COLD outside!” and his offerings. Bending over the back of the couch, he reached into his shopping bag and handed me……a bunch of bananas…..which I immediately rejected.

But wait, there was more. He next offered……..a container of Ben and Jerry’s, my favorite!

And then, another.

And another.

He exceeded my wildest dreams.

20 years later

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Shanda

Last night I was home with Sarah and Caleb. Everyone else was out of the house doing their various activities. We were watching the Waltons and it just so happened it was the episode when John and Olivia were celebrating their 20 year wedding anniversary. John-Boy was busy driving back and forth to college, falling in love with a poet. The other kids were still going to the one room school house, and were painting a picture for their parents’ anniversary. The painting looked like the inside of a dollhouse, with each room painted in detail. Then, every person in the house, kids and grandparents, painted themselves into the picture.

John went shopping to buy his wife an elegant dress.

Olivia knitted John a sweater, using yarn from their seven children’s baby sweaters.

They renewed their vows in their living room, with only the children and grandparents in attendance and the local Preacher performing the ceremony.

It was heartwarming and so sweet. I couldn’t help but compare to my own life….because today Rich and I celebrate our 2oth anniversary. Our “John-Boy” is a college student now, and our “Elizabeth” is going along to school with the rest of the children. I’m Olivia Walton and my husband is John! This is mind-numbing….I grew up watching the show, pretending to be Mary Ellen or Erin, depending on my mood at the time.

And now I’m Olivia. I love Olivia. She’s always baking applesauce cakes to celebrate things.

True story, one of my ladies in my bible study class last year called me “Olivia”…..

*****

Rich had to go to work today but is taking tomorrow and Friday off. He’s having an adventure — a change in job title — makes him just a tad busier than usual.

But this morning as he ironed his pants he stopped to put his hands on my neck and say sweet things about how much he loves me and believe it or not, he loves me even more than when we were teenagers and so on….I started laughing, “Is this a canned message?” “No, I wrote it myself” he laughed back. A few minutes later Grace and I tiptoed back in the room. Ethan was talking to Rich all about his soccer game. Dave was playing the piano. I went over to give him a hug so Grace could take a picture of us, “Is this a canned hug, Shan?” Rich asked. Perfect comment….he got me.

Our kitten has a name. A perfect name.

I like to bring Grace’s rabbit inside to hop around and keep us company. The dog leaves her alone and so do the cats…it’s like peaceable kingdom in our house. She was nibbling an apple yesterday.

Sarah has had me worried sick for days and days. She finally got diagnosed with an UTI and has been on antibiotics for 2 days. She is beginning to perk up. The crying and feverish silence has turned back into chatting. The sleep and weakness is turning into quiet playing and coloring. The no appetite is turning into cravings for bacon. I’ll make her all the bacon she wants!

Yesterday I walked around with the camera. I was feeling anxious and weepy…but the eye for blessings (with help from the camera) always soothes and shows me there are an abundance of things to be grateful for, even in the midst of worry and very little sleep.

GENTLEMAN GRAY

Did you ever think, after 20 years, we would have a Seth and he would be our fifth son? What a dear boy he is, so bright and full of potential. He was playing a racing game with Jacob when I took this picture.

Did you think we would have a Dave? A boy so interesting and curious about life, who says thoughtful things every day to make me stop and think and laugh. He has an amazing mind.

This morning you lightheartedly called Grace “a product of our wonderfulness”. Can you imagine life without our Grace? Almost 16 years old, wise beyond those years, sweet and active, with a leadership potential that comes directly from you, her Dad.

And our Caleb….this morning he was spouting off football facts to you. He has a loving heart and notices the needs of others. He never goes to school or bed without giving out hugs.

Our Ethan…you still sometimes call him by the baby nickname we gave him…but he’s a SENIOR NOW…how did this happen? Our pride and joy, our second born son with his silent strength. Who would have guessed in 20 years, on our wedding anniversary, I would be picking this boy up from school so he could take his driver’s test?

Our college boy, learning and growing so much. Getting more independent. 20 years of marriage has produced an 18 year old son who is polite, kind, well-mannered, with a healthy dose of fun and silly, too. Isn’t he a wonderful big brother to our gang? And now…..he’s been so willing and helpful with his driving around picking up siblings after school.

I love keeping a home for you.

I love all our moments together. You are my safety and my strength.

You were ironing your pants for work and looked at me as I came for another hug…so Grace could take pictures…Ethan was busy talking to you and Dave was playing piano. It was 6:30 in the morning.

And we hugged and you asked, “Is this a canned hug, Shan?” but it wasn’t. All our hugs are true.

We laughed. Our hearts are full of joy and thankfulness today…for 20 sweet years together.

THANK YOU, JESUS!

I have just enough time to go bake a cake. An applesauce cake.

***

Applesauce Cake for the modern Olivia Walton

1 spice cake mix
2 cups applesauce
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup wheat germ (optional)
frosting of your choice

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix together cake mix, applesauce, oil, and eggs in large bowl. Mix in wheat germ, if desired. Pour mixture into a 9 by 13 cake pan.

Bake 35-40 minutes

Allow cake to cool and frost.

recipe source:: 101 Things to do with a Cake Mix by Stephanie Ashcraft

rich takes a nap

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Shanda

“We’ve been hugging each other for over twenty years now,” she said.

“And it never, ever, ever gets old,” he replied.

strawberry ripple teacake

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Shanda

Let love and faithfulness never leave you…write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3

Today I have a delicious recipe to share with you. It is a cake that I began making many years ago, when I was a teenager. I am forever grateful to my Mom for giving me free reign in the kitchen to learn to bake before I was married. This recipe is special to me because everyone who tries it loves it. It is a very simple, quiet cake to make by hand; no mixer is necessary.

The cake itself is an uncomplicated butter cake with a surprise thickened fruit filling in the middle. The original recipe suggests raspberry filling, which is delicious, but I typically make it with strawberry, my favorite.

It is beautifully cream colored and golden, buttery, with a layer of pink, perfect for any time and perhaps Valentine’s Day, which is four days away. Men love cake. My dear husband Rich loves this cake, especially. Your man might be similar to my man and prefer this cake over any other. I am sure he would love this particular cake as an edible Valentine’s gift from his loving (and devoted) wife. Maybe for dessert after a juicy steak dinner?

If your man does not like cake, might I suggest baking it for the children?

S T R A W B E R R Y R I P P L E T E A C A K E

1 10 oz package sweetened berries in juice (from the frozen section at the grocery store)
1 Tablespoon cornstarch or flour

For the Filling: In a small saucepan, stir undrained fruit and cornstarch till combined. Cook and stir until thick. Remove from heat, set aside to cool.

For the Cake:
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup salted butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup sour milk (1 T.vinegar, add milk to measure) OR buttermilk

Grease and flour a 10 by 12 round tart pan. You may also use a round cake pan.

In a large bowl stir together flour and sugar, cut in butter. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Into remaining flour stir Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Salt. Make a well in center for combined egg and sour milk. Stir until just moistened. Spread 3/4 batter in bottom of pan. Spread filling on top of batter, spoon on remaining batter and crumb topping.

Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

This is what the unbaked cake looks like after dropping batter on top of the filling. The cake will spread and come together when it bakes, so don’t worry about covering the filling entirely.

The crumbs also cover the filling. This is what it looks like after sprinkling them on top, right before popping it into the oven.

Oh happy day, the cake is baked.

Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing..
for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Baking a cake for a sad/lonely or happy/celebratory person/family would also be a good idea. This is a great cake to give away.

Enjoy.

*****

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life…It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” Melody Beattie

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

breathing space

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Shanda

07 The Gift

07 Good to Me

(with a thankful heart)

What can we do but keep on breathing in and out, modest and willing, and in our places? Mary Oliver

quotes about love with pictures of the kids

Posted on November 13, 2014 by Shanda

“Our days are happier when we give people a piece of our heart instead of a piece of our mind.” anonymous

Sarah is outside. She saw the frost on the grass and asked for boots. I keep looking out the door to check on her, in fact I just sat down after leaning outside and calling her name. “I’m right here,” she answered in her little girl voice. “Okay! What are you doing?” “I’m tasting frozen stuff,” she replied while taking long licks from a bark-less stick. “Tastes like sugar! Wanna taste?”

We are thankful that we don’t have to go anywhere today. On Monday, we took Caleb to his Doctor’s check up. On Tuesday, I took David to an orthodontist appointment. He will be getting braces soon. Yesterday, we went to Community Bible Study for the day. Tomorrow we are serving Rich’s team a lunch here at home and going to the hair salon. But today? Today is gloriously free. I like being busy, but I like having mornings in my pj’s, too, tip tapping on the old keyboard, saying hello to anyone who may stop by here today……..

Veteren’s Day was Tuesday and the children were home from school. In the afternoon, I took my camera outside.

I recently read a wonderful book titled, The Greatest Thing in the World, by Henry Drummond. It was a book from our bookshelf, but it’s also a free book on the kindle. I underlined quite a lot of quotes that I wanted to share with pretty pictures. (pretty pictures that capture moments, not an entire day, we were not without a few ugly moments, too, but all in all the day was a wonderful one…..I love having all the children home).

“Have you ever noticed how much of Christ’s life was spent
in doing kind things–in merely doing kind things? Run over it with
that in view and you will find that He spent a great proportion of His time simply in making
people happy, in doing good turns to people.”

****

“Where Love is, God is. He that dwelleth in Love dwelleth
in God. God is love. Therefore love. Without distinction,
without calculation, without procrastination, love.”

“The most obvious lesson in Christ’s teaching is that
there is not happiness in having and getting anything,
but only in giving.”

“It is better not to live
than not to love.”
(Luke 17:2)

Do not grudge the hand that is moulding the still too shapeless image
within you. It is growing more beautiful though you see it not, and
every touch of temptation may add to its perfection.
Therefore keep in the midst of life.
Do not isolate yourself.
Be among men, and among things, and among troubles,
and difficulties, and obstacles.”

“Talent develops itself in solitude, character in the stream of life.”

“We love Him; we love all men. We cannot help it. Because
He loved us, we love; we love everybody.
Contemplate the love of Christ, and you will love.
Stand before that mirror, reflect Christ’s character,
and you will be changed into the same image from tenderness to tenderness.”

“Now abideth faith, hope, love, but the greatest of these is love.”

“You will give yourselves to many things, give yourselves first to love.”

“You will find as you look back upon your life
that the moments that stand out,
the moments when you have really lived,
are the moments when you have done things
in a spirit of love.”

“The test of religion, the final test of religion,
is not religiousness, but Love….not what I have done,
not what I have believed, not what I have achieved,
but how I have discharged the common charities of life.”
(yes!)

***

It’s taken me hours to write this. Sarah came inside and we read some library books together. Now she is in the bath. I’m sitting cross legged on the closed toilet watching her play. Grace’s rabbit is in the bathroom with us enjoying some time out of her cage. She keeps trying to arrange a towel into a nest with her front paws and teeth.

The sun is shining and soon Sarah’s frost will be melted away.

{this moment} love letter to his girl

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Shanda

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.