Moving....

        We recently moved from our 20 acre farm, to a Subdivision. It was quite an adjustment, but we are really enjoying it. Many have asked why we moved from our "dream" home that we built, to our new place, and the answer is really very simple....obedience.
        Aaron recently started seminary. Most of you know that the end result is rarely staying in one spot very long, especially once you graduate. Now, he will have a while before he is done, but taking care of 20 acres, with cows, and a starting each project from scratch is not only costly, but time consuming. His dad is going on 4 years post stroke, and since that time we have joined with the family (loose translation) in taking care of their almost 60 acre farm. Not an easy task to juggle with school, our own place, worship team, and now trying to adopt. Plus, where we are now (location) , will be much easier to sell when the time comes to move. Where we will go is undecided, and also irrelevent in light of obeying one step at a time.
          My new favorite song is Chris Tomlin's "I Will Follow." Having a heart that says "I will follow" is only part of the process. Moving, when he says move is another. Each one having a huge impact. The song reveals many avenues that the Lord uses to work in our lives. Moving, staying, loving, serving, leaving. Yet having a submissive heart is the goal. (Not saying I have accomplished these things- just sharing observation).
        When we moved, it wasn't difficult to leave behind all the things we worked so hard for. To be honest, we don't miss it. Why?? I believe it is God's grace and His blessing. We have had a lot of change come into our lives this year and in the past 4. We had some difficult decisions to make early on this year that broke my heart and I struggled through a period of depression/grief. We have had to let go of things we had no control over, only to have another door open up and be given something more. We have been challenged to do something that we swore we would "never" do. We have tried and failed at one thing so much that we wondered if our prayers were being answered and/or we were just not wanting to accept the answer, only to have another door suddenly open up pulling us forward. We learned that sometimes loving is letting go. I can share more about some of this later, but the bottom line is when you say yes to Jesus, your life will never be the same. In this move, I feel like it was significant to us, because for the first time, our hearts were not focused on ourselves and what we were leaving behind, but on what was ahead and stepping forward. Growing. Change. Moving. His will, His way- I will follow.

Deal or no deal?

        I read an interesting article recently that was based on an intensive study, of a very controversial argument pertaining to families. Leaving the subject out, there was a sentence that said, "....what seems to be apparent in the stats below,.....children are influenced by their parents." Who knew? =)
        When we were young, my mom loved garage sales. Loved may be an inadequate word, but for the sake of time and my mom not proofing this, we'll leave it at that. She once had a key chain that had tire marks on pavement and a quote saying: "I brake for ALL garage sales." (you get the picture) Now, I am not dogging on this. I was the recipient of many a "steals" and following the wise words from above, I now can see the "influence" she had on me. I have become just like her.
        I would like to say that, as a stay at home mom, I sit at home and darn socks, sew or iron on patches on the knees of jeans, and knit all our sweaters and things. I'm not going to lie. Such is NOT the case. I love to crochet scarves and hats, but nothing else. I would even go so far to admit to you that I have a brand new sewing machine from my wedding still in the box, in storage. As far as sewing, my mom DID try to "influence" me at one time in 4-H. It was a disaster. She had great intentions, but I chose "singing" over "Singer."
        Moving on.....I love using things like Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist, to find things when you just don't have the time or energy to plot out a course with the paper. It's the "new" garage sale-ing of my day. My latest quest was for a bike and a bike trailer. We recently moved and have a 4 mile track that begins 1/4 mile from our house. We LOVE it! Anyhow, I drove up our street one day and there was a Schwinn bike out by the road for sale. When I stopped, the lady who owned it, said she had undergone some major leg/foot surgery and wouldn't be able to use it. If I wanted it, she would give it to me for $25.   !!!!  She had a little girl (thus the big gray grocery-getter looking thing off the back) who had a special seat that attached to the back. They had used it twice since she bought it last Christmas. I then found a bike trailer on Craigslist for $70, that looked brand new. The folks who owned it had used it four times before their children outgrew it.

Bike Purchased: $25

Retail: $300-350

Savings: $275

Bike Trailer Puchased: $70

Retail: $385 (USED on AMAZON)

Savings: $315

Total Saved: $590

LOVE IT!!!!

       Aaron teases me about my "granny" looking bike, but with some minor adjustments- she'll be a beauty! =) Plus, the bike trailer also converts to a double stroller with a rotating wheel in the front and folds completely flat. Great for walking or jogging. With those kind of savings, I am not complaining!

Confetti for Marsha....

        Today my heart is sad and broken for the Reed family. Their sweet mother, friend, sister, aunt, grandma, co-worker, sister in Christ will be laid to rest today. As Marsha's life is remembered, I can't help but be rejoicing with her/for her as well, as she is now present with the Lord. His word says that such a homecoming is "precious."
       
        Marsha had a way about her. As I have said to many people....Marsha remembered every birthday. She didn't just call, she sent you a confetti filled card with gum in it along with her thoughts for you to have a great day. I don't know about the rest of you, but when my cards came in the mail, they were LOADED with confetti. Not the big stuff either. I had the fine dusting stuff that stayed with you and on you for days! What a way to make people smile! It always worked! So what do you think was at her viewing? Yes, confetti. I couldn't think of something more appropriate.

        It is ironic that the only two "constants" in this life are the very things we are afraid of and/or have the most difficult time dealing with: Death and Change. Probably because these two often go hand in hand, are closely related, or first comes one and then another in no particular order.
       
        So, as I am writing I feel very conflicted. In one way I just want to cry, and keep crying as memories surface of all the great times we had together and interactions we have had. In another way, I wish I could be there supporting the family and grieve with them, for it is for them that my heart breaks. They have such a long road ahead, and as anyone knows who have walked it before or walked along side someone....it is often up and down, troubled, and filled with joys unexpected all at once. Regardless of any "phase" you go through, it hurts. All of it. I am praying for you Lindsay, Paul and TJ. For you and your families. For the days ahead. The holidays. For every "first" for everything that she won't be here for.
       
        Lastly, a third conflicting emotion. I have such a peace inside of me. A confidence in a sovereign God who knows every single breath we take, hair on our head, and day we have here.  I don't always understand and don't always accept this, but I do believe in God. In Jesus. In the fact that the grave (because of Jesus) is OVERWHELMED. The Victory is WON. She lived every single day that He gave her. Not one more, or one less. Some may say that is heartless, but I say that is Sovereignty. That is Mercy. None of us "deserve" anything. But a good and gracious God- Jesus, has given us far more than we deserve, and His complete control over every thing, every situation, should provide us with a peace that no one can take. Do I always understand? No. I wish I did. But I have come to trust him more and more through surrender to Him every day in these two things we have never controlled, nor never will.
        Rest in peace, Marsha. We will see you again, and I can't wait to see what kind of Confetti they threw up in heaven this time- for you.

Homemade Ice Cream!!!

When we were kids, we learned at a very young age all about homemade ice cream. Not just any kind, but the type that gives you instant brain-freeze after a grueling wait for the creamy goodness to be frozen enough to eat. Don't hear me wrong- I'm NOT complaining! From the hand crank type to the White Mountain (electric).....as long as it got the job done, there was peace in the world. Well, at least our family.
Growing up with three siblings, we quickly learned that the "privilege" of taking our turn at the crank for fifty turns was actually a way for the parents to occupy our time, keep us from fighting, and regain their sanity all in 20 minutes. It must have worked, because we had our own ice cream all summer long and even some winters. (I think dad drew the line when mom suggested a milk cow.) =)
This past week, Alison and my dad came for a visit. It was a great time with lots of laughs and adventures. With them, they brought us our very own White Mountain Ice Cream Maker!!! Once Cade understood what it was, he was captivated with every detail, right down to which parts of the card board packing should be thrown away!
So, I thought I would share the recipe......(For anyone who actually reads this and would care to have it!)

Homemade Ice Cream

by Pam Eichorn

5 Cups Scalded Milk

2 1/2 TBS *heaping* Flour

2 1/2 Cups Sugar

5 Eggs

3/8 teas Salt

2 1/2 TBS Vanilla 

*Mix Flour, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, and Vanilla until smooth.

*Add above mixture into the heated Milk.

*When thickened, pour into glass container and cool completely.

*Once it is cooled, pour into the "freezing" container, add 5 more cups of Milk.

*Freeze with your machine.

(It takes approximately 20 LBS of Ice and 4 Cups of Ice Cream Salt.)

An Undivided Heart....

Today started just like any other day. Up at 4:30am to see Aaron off to work, downstairs with a warm cup of coffee to wake my self up. I opened up my email to find only "junk mail." Disappointment lurking as I hoped for "something" to encourage me. You know those days, the kind where you can't put your finger on it, but you are just....."something." The treadmill stood staring at me, but this morning I just couldn't do the 4 miles I've become accustomed to. My mind was working overtime now. I sat down to do my devotions and nothing clicked. "What is it, Lord?" Nothing. Just silence.

I don't know about you, but I can handle just about anything except silence on God's part. I start questioning, asking, pleading, begging, and then I get angry. I struggled like this for several hours. I had made plans with my mother in law to run some errands together, lunch and then home again for naps (the way my morning started, everyone was getting one whether they wanted it or not). I had a pile of laundry waiting for me. On top of that, my MIL just called saying she would be late, and how in the world can a clean and dressed little boy get mud on his face...where did it come from? Oh, never mind....and then I saw it. Sitting on my end table, surrounded by dust and legos, was a book I had checked out from the library. Not just any book, but  one I just knew I need to pick up and read. The 283 pg. hardback titled "Ribbon of Years" was written by an author (Robin Lee Hatcher) from Boise, ID., whom I had just recently contacted and asked to come and do our 2012 Women's Retreat for our church. I had read some of her other novels and while we exchanged information, things we had in common and encouragment, she confirmed dates with me, and mentioned several books that she utilizes during the breakout sessions of the retreat, one of these being "Ribbon....."

As I read I began to see myself in this book. So quickly we become tired of the "mundane" in life and long for "something" more. Through "Miriam's" life, grace was there at every corner, over every mountain top, and through every valley. I won't ruin it for you, but somehow through this book, I felt like there were splinters in my hand from grabbing hold once again to the Cross, in thankfulness for my life, my family and for those around me and most of all for the God who loves to give us second chances. A "do Over." I am humbled by the grace so freely given that was portrayed so beautifully in this book. It is IN the mundane that God shows up. In something so simple as this book of another woman's life, that point us back to the truth- Jesus. In the midst of what you or someone else is going through He has never left. He is the "something" our hearts long for.

As I finished the book, the verse that came to mind was this: "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart" (Psalm 86:11). There is my new "something" to replace the old.

Behind the Title.....

I have always had an interest in writing. Like my mother, I also have a passion for reading. There is rarely a moment that I don't have a book of sorts with me. My husband often rolls his eyes at the size of purse I carry- large enough to be a carry on, but small enough to manage with a toddler in tow. Rarely are chiropractic services required- or wheels for that matter! 

About a year ago I entered this children's writing competition for short stories with a limit on words, including factual content and depth. The winner was given three professional editors who would critique your piece, and contact you to talk about it. Well, I won! It was a great opportunity to talk to these women about writing. Come to find out, the large majority of magazine writers and children's books are stay at home mom's who entered a contest, much like the one I did - if not the same, and went on to write more (i.e.- the popular "Harry Potter Series"). Their comments for me were extremely positive, and very encouraging...so much so that they had a publisher ask if they could hold my story for a possible printing in the children's magazine "Highlights."

Honestly, I was shocked. I didn't think it would go anywhere, but I just wanted to know. I love a good challenge like that, and was simply curious as to what would happen. No, I am not in the process of writing a novel, but I have started to journal. Writing down things that Cade comes up with, events that happen, hilarious stories about life that leave me wondering "why" and "how in the world did I get involved in that one?" Goodness knows my life is never dull and I could probably fill a book with stories that would rival a bestseller!

Life is interesting at best and rewarding! Many have asked me about the title choice of the Blog and now you know the story. A lot happens beyond the backyard. It isn't so much what happens, but what we do with it, how we respond, and who we become because of it. With that, I will leave you with what I entered......

Beyond the Backyard
By Erin Shafer
　
Back before the days that technology was foremost in the minds of young people, like me, my brothers, sister, and I dreamed of adventures that took place many years ago. For us, it began in our back yard.
My family and I grew up on a farm in Southwest Michigan. We lived several miles from town. There was farmland all around, where our animals grew up "in the wild" on our 80 acre farm. We had several horses, cattle, a couple pigs, two dogs, a sheep, and several stray cats that came and went.
Our garden tractor and wagon often became our covered wagon that carried not only us and our "supplies" but our dreams for the future as well. The two barns and outbuildings around our place became the new town just beginning in the Old West. We’d stop in at the General store to replenish our food supply which was often at the sand box and swing set, and the many acorns laying around on the ground doubled as our ammunition.
The animals were less than willing to accommodate our re-enactment of the Oregon Trail, and would often run to the furthest corner of the pasture to avoid another cattle drive. Our mom often wondered why her set of dishes was no longer a set, and dad had his share of confusion when the trees would boast bare spots. To us, it was a matter of survival. Food and firewood were essential if you were going to make it out West.
Today the days of free time and covered wagons are far behind us, yet one dream still echos in all of our hearts. Though dreams usually don’t cost anything, Freedom has never been free. It cost men and women their lives back then, and it is the same today.
Our grandpa always told us, "If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. Stick with the truth. It always stands the test of time." Like the code of the West, this is the code that we live by today. For us, it began in our backyard.

Finally.....

I have finally broken down and entered the Blog world!  I think I have finally figured out enough to be able to post this little bit. A friend suggested this as a journal of sorts, and a way for family and friends to keep up. (Thanks, Linda!) So, stay tuned...