Thank God for Farmers!

My son wants to be a farmer. Yup! I asked him this summer if he would like to move to the country and have a little farm with a big yard to play in and have chickens and a big garden. At the time, his answer was a flat, "No." 
No. What? Why not? But after hanging out at our friend's house a lot this summer and helping with their farm chores when they were out of town, my son had a change of heart. He told me this as we were driving out to a local farm for produce. And it was so stinkin' cute, when we got there, I had him tell me again so I could record it. : ) Here he is saying why he wants to live on a farm:

Here are a few cell phone pics of the kids on our friend's farm. 

So cute! Kids are such precious little gifts from God! Well, us buying property will take some time while we penny pinch in this rough economy just to keep this roof over ourselves. But goals and dreams are good to have and I think it is a great way to teach the kiddos a lesson in patience and saving and hope. In the mean time, we'll help out our friends as they will have us and enjoy fun videos by The Peterson Farm Bros. These young men make some great parody videos about farming. Good, clean fun! Enjoy!

In all seriousness though, a farmers (and ranchers and homesteaders) work is hard but provides for so many. When we lose sight and respect for that, we are in trouble. Thank God for the work they do. In our culture of consumerism, selfishness and greed, let's take a moment to read what God has to say about giving back and having faith in him to provide. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,

“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
    Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”(Psalms 112:9)

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity (or righteousness) in you.

11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 

Random Photo(s): Autumn in France

Such a lovely trip to France my mom and I took in October of '09. I thought I would share some of my photos that display the early Autumn beauty. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

The courtyard at the offices of a wine producer in Chablis, France. 

The church and the beautifully gated entrance to a private residence in Vezelay, France.

 

















Looking back at Chateau Versailles.

Queen Marie-Antoinette's estate and gardens. 

 

Love the lamp posts!

The girl in red walking along the Seine. 

A gray Autumn day in Paris.

The grape vine leaves changing colors. 

Beautiful....

Mom and I at the vineyard in Montmartre.

Falling for Autumn!

Ah...... Autumn is here! 

I do enjoy all the other seasons but there is just something about Autumn that I love.

Like the above picture says, the cozy sweaters and crisp air with hints of smoke from chimneys and rain with it. 

Cuddling in plaid blankets with warm drinks watching the leaves fall.

 mmm Just something about it. 

How about you? Do you love Autumn? What are some of your favorite things about this time of year?

http://www.bhg.com/thanksgiving/decorating/fall-mantel-decorating-ideas/?socsrc=bhgpin091413birchlogs&crlt.pid=camp.FR7TyOr8P3uV#page=13

These are just some of the pins from my Falling for Autumn Pinterest board. There are pins on decorating, craft ideas, recipes and the beautiful Fall outdoors. And, I am adding more every week!

http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/tips-advice/bootiful-home-ideas#slide-5

Fun craft ideas to do with the kids to get them into the season!

http://www.momontimeout.com/2011/09/stained-glass-fall-leaves-with-template/

Candy Corn Cookies!

http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/halloween-cake-recipes#slide-9

Skinny Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes!

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/skinny-pumpkin-pie-milkshakes/

So stop on by and check out my board here:

http://www.pinterest.com/mishmashedme/falling-for-autumn/

I hope my Pinterest board inspires you this Autumn season to get outside and enjoy time with your family and friends. And maybe even try a few seasonal recipes and crafts too! I am thankful for you all! What are you thankful for this season?

http://www.stayathomeartist.com/2010/11/free-thanksgiving-printables.html

End of Summer Outdoor Movie Night

We walk with our friends to the outdoor family movie night. Kids are running around playing tag as we relax in our chairs and enjoy some snacks. 

The farm putting on the family movie night grills up some hot dogs for the families. We eat our free hot dogs and popcorn while the band plays jazzy tunes.

I visit with my friend while the boys go on an adventure around the field.

Kids tell on the cowboys at the 'shoot out' in the little western town. More fun to be had as the cowboys take pictures with the kids dressed in cowboy costumes.

Anticipation grows as the DVD player gets set up......

 

And, at last, the sun sets and the movie starts. Monsters, Inc. plays as the evening breeze carries with it the scent of popcorn and the laughter of friends and families. The kids and I snuggle under the blanket.

What a wonderful way to say goodbye to summer time - with friends and family and the stars in the sky!

Thank you, friends, for a wonderful evening! <3

*Pictures taken with my cell phone. Not great quality but still precious! : )

Television Wisdom Wednesday: Grace/Forgiveness/LOVE

Normally I would be sharing a quote from a t.v. show or a movie today but this week I am sharing a clip. It is a three minute commercial that is lovely and convicting and will make you cry, so be prepared. And, as you watch this moving commercial, think about these three words:

G R A C E

F O R G I V E N E S S

L O V E

http://gawker.com/this-three-minute-commercial-puts-full-length-hollywood-1309506149

Please, I welcome your comments below. And you are always welcome to share my posts! 

Television Wisdom Wednesday: Remembering 9/11

This day is hard for me every year. I do not know if there was someone I knew lost that day. But, every year, I choke up just trying to talk about it. One image or story on the news and I am back to that morning, watching in horror. I feel, in my soul, the same pain as if it was just yesterday. I probably always will and I think - that is okay.

Patriot: a person who loves and strongly supports or fights for his or her country

I watched We Bought a Zoo for the first time last night. And I thought the following quote from the movie was fitting for today. 

Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee: "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."

Picturing hundreds of firefighters and police officers and citizens running into the unknown ash and debris that September day. Not knowing if they would come out of it, all they were thinking about is all those needing help. Twenty seconds of insane courage. Those are heroes!

Hero: a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities;

:  one who shows great courage

I leave you with these thoughts of mine and verses from one of my favorite chapters in the bible:

Romans 12: 9-21 ~

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 

10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 

20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.