This past Sunday, I was scheduled to talk at a women's gathering on the topic of journaling. A very close friend of mine (and pastor of the church where I spoke) sent out the reminder of the event and included this picture. BAHAHAHA! That is definitely my head! I have always processed life like it's an intricate tapestry- THERE'S A LOT GOING ON AND EVERYTHING'S CONNECTED. My blog entries are mostly prompted by the emotions of life and the workings out thereof but my journal looks much like this picture. There are squiggles and lines, quotes and scripture, prayers and various lists, doodles and sketches, there are questions for God and praises for His answers. My journal is mostly about the function of life and trying to stay lined up with my Creator. THERE'S A LOT GOING ON AND EVERYTHING IS SOMEHOW CONNECTED =).
Since it has been quite a while since I've posted anything here on the blog, I thought I'd give you a briefing from my journal pages of "April at the Farm":
Since it has been quite a while since I've posted anything here on the blog, I thought I'd give you a briefing from my journal pages of "April at the Farm":
God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do. ~Ephesians 2:10
- Gypsy... We lost sweet, sweet Gypsy Rose Jones. I adopted Gypsy when she was about 6 weeks old from the Atlanta Humane Society in 1996. She died of renal failure this past Monday. I cannot bring myself to write anymore about this beautiful, sweet puppy yet....she was a gift.
- Planting things... lots and lots of things getting rooted in lots and lots of different ways...dirt, no dirt, mulch, up walls, in trees, over logs, it's crazy at the farm! ExPeRiMeNts GoInGs On! Here's a fun word just to throw out there to peak your interest: Hugelkultur. That's almost better than Fahrvergnügen. There will be more...
- Forgot to prune things again this year... sigh. I need help in this area of farm tending... I read and understand how important it is but ALWAYS forget to do it not to mention that (even understanding how it helps the plants and such) it physically hurts me to hack away at a perfectly healthy plant.
- I'm signed up to go to UGA's beekeeping school next month! I'm excited =). Bee suits and everything. Hehehe
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ~Psalm 51:10
- I am going to be a Grandmama in October! Scottie and Casey are expecting their first baby =). How cool is that news?!?!?! The entire Smith crew is completely jazzed about Baby Smith!
- Qualifier: We have WONDERFULLY MADE & INCREDIBLE KIDDOS- truly they amaze me every day and I am blessed to be their mama! We are in a season where we are dealing with what the Love and Logic guys call the "Over-Indulgence/Under-Expectation Syndrome at Casa Smith. I'm not sure if I'm talking about the just the kids or all of us. HA! Right now I'm spending some time reevaluating age appropriate, reasonable expectations for our kids and how to reestablish appropriate, esteeming returns. Oh, the challenges of raising younguns...
- Speaking of younguns =)... I've had some up and down emotions regarding 5 Ukrainians. Our five will not have the opportunity to come back to the USA this summer (I took this very hard) but I have been in contact with the older boys via an online social network and the other three via mail. I just sent them all their summer soccer shoes and two of them their birthday boxes (two more birthdays late summer and one Christmas birthday). Unfortunately, I am just now finding out that the children are not receiving the boxes of gifts that we send. UGHH! It is hard to have part of your heart on another continent... I MISS SOME UKRAINIAN KIDS!
COME SEE US SOON! ~L |    |
