Beautiful Dying
Here on the farm the dying has begun. And dying can be quite beautiful, actually. Brilliant dogwood flaming red, yellowing aspens and birch, sugar maples blazing orange—all stand center stage against blue sky backdrop. Because they’re dying. They’re bleeding out green, being replaced with orange, red, yellow. Those turning are not exactly more beautiful—just a […]
When Life Hits Hard and You Wonder How to Hold On
A blur hangs over our farm. I think the sky is crying. Teardrops hang from pastures wired. Webbed strands dangle from spruce looking fragile. I know better. Appearances often deceive . . . What looks most fragile is most strong. Yet, I wonder. I think of myself—my whole life—especially these past twelve months. How […]
After the Storm
The day before was a perfect Wisconsin day—sunny, low eighties, completely still. I could hear the spring peepers still out in our ponds and the barn swallow hatchlings in their nests as mamas flew in with their meal. But weather often changes fast around here. It rolled in last night after dark. A low rumble […]
Taped
She picked a daffodil. As the farmer from down the road drove his tractor through our south field, she and I strolled through the front gardens together smelling spring flowers. The one she picked? Flower head drooped, stem bent close to the top. We can relate, these days. She raised the golden trumpet to her […]
True Healing
The morning started out all slow and soft. Just enough warmth of spring allowed a walk through gardens without even a sweater and snapping of photos without her knowing. She’s back. Sort of. No longer delusional, thanks to some powerful medication, she’s not quite herself and she knows it. The quick and easy smile isn’t […]
Bleeding Heart
He and I walked the trails hand-in-hand with dew still sparkling on morning grass. Heavy hearts made for heavy feet where each step seemed a struggle. We have a long road ahead with one we love so. Bipolar illness isn’t something that’s healed, barring a divine touch. It’s something that’s managed and remission is fragile, […]
Mine
The Asarco mine in southern Arizona is a vast area of 20,000 acres with a complex, coordinated system of vehicles and machines all designed to excavate desired metals from the earth. The largest vehicles on site are the haul trucks, each costing four million dollars. They have six gigantic wheels with tires that must replaced every six months costing […]
Faith for the Frozen
There’s only so much a poor soul can take! In all my years of Wisconsin living, 18 to be exact, I have never experienced this kind of cold. Human beings and barn cats and horses and naughty lab dogs are not meant for such harshness. Well, maybe the kids? Just kidding. So this morning, I’m […]
Our God Sees
Just recently, I learned of a hidden discipline going on in our home. Nick thought it up and has been implementing it daily for two months. He makes me laugh. Like me, Nick loves country music. We laugh when singers croon about trucks and tractors and beer. I break into my scolding Granny voice and wag […]
Out of Sight
We wait at the end of the driveway for the school bus, Nick and I. Drizzle and gray and damp cold with no sun seen for three days straight—we know this weather well here, this time of year. Sometimes it’s hard to keep believing there’s a sun up there when all looks dreary. But […]
Keeping It Real, Again
Well, I’m taking it easy today because we’ve had a long, hard week and my flesh is quite tired though my spirit is gaining strength. And I’m writing again today because it soothes me and teaches me. As I lean into God and listen for His words, He always comes shedding light and insight, refreshing […]
All I Know
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. These words were in my mind as I woke this morning looking out our bedroom window over paddock with horses blurred in fog and raised sun haloed, beams dissipated by water droplets floating. Autumn. My favorite season—one of many reasons I […]