Despite the grim look, I really had a ball boiling down our first gathering of maple sap for 2016. We had collected about 8.5 gallons in the day and half after first tapping our trees. We have 6 maple trees on our lot in the small town we live in. I guess we truly fit … Continue reading
Homemade, Repurposed, Coffee Scented Candles
I had just sat down at the table this morning, after cleaning up a bit in the kitchen after making breakfast, and wondered if there was anything I could do with the coffee grounds I had just thrown away. In months past I would throw the grounds outside to benefit the worms, flowerbeds, garden, etc. … Continue reading
Homesteading?
As I was doing some reading & research for raising rabbits (wow – that alliteration shows that I may be closer to my pastoral roots than imagined or desired), I came across a voluminous amount of websites and videos dedicated to “Homesteading”. As I read with curiosity, I realized that I truly desired to move … Continue reading
Rearview Mirror 2015
And just like that, another year gone. Raise your glass to 2015 and drain it for 2016. Heck Ya Halls
Why You Can’t Understand Someone Who Suffers With Chronic Pain
Because I can’t understand it myself. Here’s a glimpse inside a journal I keep from a month ago: When I awoke at my alarm ringing this am, I was intrigued to find my left arm had no feeling: good, bad, indifferent. When showering I noticed some popping and sensitivity at the shoulder and very slight … Continue reading
Imagine.
Imagine you live in a third world country. No matter that you know the language, are learning the customs, and can move fairly easily throughout the country. You still live under a constant stress. It’s not an overwhelming stress, but it is still a burden to your heart, soul and even body. Because no matter … Continue reading
Warrior Advent
I was reading in the Psalms this morning – just browsing, not “studying”. Psalm 46 is a familiar and significant passage for me. It has a depth of meaning that I enjoy immersing in from time to time. This morning, however, I was struck by the very last verse in this passage: The LORD of … Continue reading
Hammerin’ on a Hen House
The mild temperatures in Indiana this weekend provided the perfect time to tackle a fun project of repurposing in my garage. I decided to embark on half of a project that has been brewing in my mind since our return to our house earlier this year. I have been brainstorming an “indoor / outdoor” chicken … Continue reading
Punctual and Periodic Pain
I never know what I’ll feel like in the morning. Never. I’m not talking about the pain, stiffness or muscle soreness that accompanies a good workout or that follows a difficult chore. I’m talking about going to bed feeling good and waking up with odd pain, sharp pain, joint pain, soft tissue pain, weird pain … Continue reading
Lessons From the Pine
It’s only been six months since I last posted. I almost forgot how to do this. Cut-offs & Cast-aways This afternoon it dawned on me that I had received a tangible illustration of an earlier conversation from this morning. Early in the day I met with a friend to discuss some issues that I am … Continue reading
Grace Dependent 