Rural Simplicity

I'm on vacation, and completely out of the schedule of writing and doing things on time, so I'm going to share a bit of writing I did a year or so back. Read and Write I read and write to to draw out my emotions.  If I don’t let them out they make quite a commotion.  I delve into a book or blank piece of paper,  And find that I’m usually happy and safe there occasionally a flood of memory, dreams or hope comes and then a flood of water spills over and down it runs,  All over my heart and my book or pen But it might not be sadness, it just all depends  on what I was writing or reading or thinking  either way it was good for my soul to be drinking.  These are the times that fill me up to the top and prepare me for the moments when I let everything drop.  It’s a cycle that I really need And that is why I write and read!  What do you do when you need time to clear you head? Do you walk, tinker, clean, exerci...

Sycamore Village Their ship was crashing on the open sea and the rain and waves were pouring over them! Peter and Davie  were yelling loudly to the crew.  “Lower the sails! “ “Hoist the rigging!” “Hold on matey’s!!” They were having a terrible time of it when all of a sudden the two boys crashed on the deck laughing and the storm seemingly gave way to sunshine and laughter.  Just across the yard two fine ladies dressed in pearls, high heels, and long flowing dresses called to the sailors. “Would you care for a cup of tea, sirs?” “We would greatly appreciate your company.” Chimed in the second. “Aye!” hollered Peter, “Is it Lemonade?” “Oh no!” Cried the first lady, “Only the finest tea.” “But it has a rather large hint of lemonade,” followed the second, trying not to discourage their company from coming.  “Well, yes… rather.” Replied the first. “Then we shall dock our ship, me ladies, and be there right away!” Peter called through cupp...

It's January in the year 2018. In short, our world is made up of internet zombies. (If you are reading this sometime in the future, you may understand this phrasing even better than I do right now.) Currently we have this huge thing called social media, and just up from that we have personal blogs and from there it just keeps getting more complex. The number of hours Americans spend looking at some sort of screen, (whether that's computer, tablet, phone, or tv, and whether that's for work, play, or hobby), is alarming. Some studies from up to two years ago show us wasting half of our day looking at a screen ,  so I'm sure you can guess that those numbers are even worse now. And here's the biggest problem with it all. Content.  The readily available content open for ALL eyes to see is majorly - useless rubbish. (to put it nicely) Wrong information, biased information, complaining, gloating, bullying, taking advantage of, etc... The Bible tells us to edify a...

The Mouse and the Monster part 1 Poppet is my name. It’s not really even a name but a term of endearment; but my parents could never come to call me anything else. I am the youngest mouse in my family and severely doted on.  I will always look fondly on the times I spent with my family, sharing a room with my sisters, eating breakfast at our huge oak table, playing games with Newton and Tanner by the stream. It really was a wonderful life back then. Mother’s friends always oohed and aahed over my perfect whiskers and big brown eyes.  Life is really not so lovely now. The mice at the market always look at me funny when I introduce myself as Poppet and I feel like everyone is staring at me. I used to like it when people stared, now I feel funny when someone looks my way, like I am a monster sticking out among all the other mice. I’ve tried to blend in, but you can always tell a monster no matter how good a disguise it wears. Even my friends have all eventually drift...

I've never watched Sesame Street...Gasp! I know, but my daughter has two old Sesame Street books that feature 2 letters and 1 number each. Each book has a fun little story that is comprised of one of the featured letters and I mean about 90% of the story starts with that letter. Maybe you know what I'm talking about, maybe not, but I thought it was so cute, so my husband and I worked out our own tongue twister story using the letter "W". Have Fun... Wendy and the Whistler There once was a wide waisted wench who went by Wendy. Her weeks and weekends in Wentzville were wiled away when as a wee one she wished for wild watermelon near the wide walls of Wofford.  When winter washed over the white wavey hills of Wentzville, Wendy the wide waisted wench wandered west into the willowy woods. Wendy waltzed up the wide way wowed by the wonderful wild watermelons wobbling by the wayside. While the wench worked a watermelon onto her wagon the wicked Willie of Wofford ...

Here we go, a great little story to read on this snowy day... enjoy! Willow’s Lesson Here is a story that is not so very old. It is a story about two trees, and this is how it goes… The sun was just beginning to peek over the Eastern Mountain, to smile down on the valley below as Willow opened her eyes and began to stretch her limbs and ruffle her leaves. Willow had a beautiful spot right next to the river. Everyone knew it as Big Blue and it was truly the most desired place to lay your roots. Willow had been resting by Big Blue for three decades. She had spread her roots and branches so far that there was no room for anyone else to grow. Willow was a nice tree, but known to be selfish and possessive of the things she thought belonged to her.  Willow did have one neighbor, his name was Buddy. He was a short sturdy tree that bloomed with beautiful red buds in the Spring. Buddy sat at the base of the Eastern Mountain and was content with his little rocky home. Willo...

We are about to start a names of God study in Sunday school, and it reminded me of a poem I wrote many years ago. The Names of God Molder, Creator - Maker of all things. Goodness and mercy to all He brings.  Abba, Father - Child of God.  Hold my hand through life's facade.  Friend, Brother - Always listens to my woe,  Takes his sword to kill my foe.  Shepherd, Lamb - carer of sheep, Gude me through the water deep. Bearer of the Cross - forgiver of sins, Salvation, on my repentance depends Saviour, Redeemer - lifter of hearts,  Shelter and keep me from the world, set apart.  Awesome, Almighty - God of all things,  Glory and honor and praises I'll sing.  What names of God have you studied or reflected on recently? This is a never ending poem, what lines would you add? Sarah

Here is a quick story with a great moral. Enjoy! Flawsome’s Failures Flawsome was a nice little goose. She was small and white and had a lovely personality. She loved to sing while washing in the pond and very seldom was she not whistling as she waddled here and there across the yard. But Flawsome wasn’t the smartest goose. She was always trying to be like the other animals.  One bright and cheery Tuesday morning just as the sun was rising, Jack the rooster flew to the peak of the barn and “cock-a-doodle-doo!” Flawesome was inspired – “what an exciting thing to do”. So up she flew to the top of the barn. But Flawsome’s feet weren’t made to hang tight onto the barn… Whoosh! Off she slide down the roof and into the air – Thud! But, not to be discouraged, Flawsome decided that Jack did good enough at his job and she would leave it to him to wake everyone up. As  Flawsome waddled across the yard she noticed Albert the pig rolling in the mud. Flawsome stepped a lit...

I've wanted for some time now to write a mission statement. I wasn't sure if it was for me, my family, my children or just who, but I knew I wanted one. I wanted something to guide me (like a condensed version of the Bible). Just a few words or phrases I could use to keep me focused. But It's not a simple task summing up the Bible, or gathering your life philosophy together and so it never happened. And the reason it never happened is because I was always looking to philosophers and worldly wisdom to put together this commitment. And thankfully I was never satisfied with what I found.  Then I read this straight from the heart of Amy Carmichael - A women very near to the heart of God. My Vow. Whatsoever Thou sayest unto me, by Thy grace I will do it.  My Constraint.  Thy love, O Christ, my Lord. My Confidence.  Thou are able to keep that which I have committed unto Thee. My Joy. To do Thy will, O God. My Discipline. That which I would not choose, b...

I have so much to say, because I've been gone for so long! I'm writing multiple posts today and constantly reminding myself that they can't all go up today.  Today I have to share a few more farm photos and of course my little shadow helper! And I also want to share some words - It's not a story and it's not a poem...an essay?  I called "A Thanksgiving Thought" and it's just that...my thoughts on our society at Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is a day forgotten because it lacks abundant revenue.  There is no room for myself to be gloried in or exalted above you,  In fact, at Thanksgiving one must pain themselves to think of something kind and unselfish to say toward someone whom they argued with yesterday.  The pilgrims - if still suffering today - would continue so,  because Thanksgiving isn’t about others.  Thanksgiving is about the cruciality of having every dish of tradition gracing the table.  It is about watchi...

I needed a bit of a creative outlet a few days ago and so I wrote another short story. I hope you enjoy.  Adventures at  Mushroom Manor There once was a Hedgehog who lived in a very large mushroom which he called Mushroom Manor. He didn’t have any neighbors, or really even friends that lived close by. He was a lonely little creature and talked to himself a great deal. One day- no particular day - the little Hedgehog came upon a field mouse.  “Excuse me,” He cried in excitement (for he hadn’t seen anyone for 3 weeks), “where do you live?”   Hedgehog had not seen the field mouse before and thought perhaps he was a new neighbor. The Field Mouse did not reply, he was busy and didn’t care to stop to talk to the hedgehog. Hedgehog, a little put down by being ignored mustered his courage and said again loudly (in case the mouse hadn’t heard),  “Excuse me! Where do you live?” “Over the river” was all the mouse gruffly replied.  “Oh! H...

The Lagging Lass Little Baby bent her knee A critter on the ground to see A careful, watching, wondering eye Each crawling bug she quickly spies Pointing, poking, babbling so  Until Her mother thoroughly knows No object from her sight is missed No item does her grasp resist Till pulled away by higher cause Tiny fingers happily pause Every mother understands the long road of patience when it comes to children. And I don't necessarily mean temper tantrums, picky eaters, and the like. Just everyday cute stuff, that feels impatiently long when you are in a hurry.  Children are God's best teachers! He planted little test givers all over the world. He made them cute, irresistible, and lovable. And then he gave them a Mommy test and said-   "make sure she takes this everyday at least once!"  I don't know about you but I hated school, homework and tests. But I love children, and daddy's and home. So, I got to work and set up shop. Da...

My most recent project.  It's hard to believe that April is over. April is one of my favorite months. What once started as a childish love for Birthday gifts and celebration has turned into the love of all things Spring, purple, flowery, and sweet. April means the end of winter (at least for the most part) and gardens, new life, and sweet smells. There is nothing like the feeling of beginning again, starting over and starting fresh. Spring brings us that joy every year. And God brings us that joy every time we come to repent our sins to him. As this Spring starts and everything is fresh and clean I want to be careful what kind of seeds I plant, lest I reap thorns and thistles in my life come fall.  Sowing Temptation As the brambles make their way You fight and pull and tell them nay “My life is mine, you cannot take What took me twenty years to make” The seething, slithering soul of it all Makes no noise, no note, or call, It wraps and winds it’s pr...