A "Tornado" Hit the Barn

A tornado hit the barn. (No, not literally!) Perhaps I'd better start at the beginning.

First, allow me to instruct you in how the barn ought to be on a normal morning. 

My chickens sleep in a stall in the barn at night. They are also fed there, and spend bad weather days there. 

My goats normally sleep in the stall next door to the chickens, but lately I've been keeping the goats loose in the barn (doors shut so they won't wander off, of course!) so they have more space. (Just as an experiment, mind,) 

That way on the nasty days when they can't go outside in the pasture, they won' t be so cramped. (And by the way, there are a lot of nasty days this time of the year)

Here's a photo of me from last Spring, standing in front of the goat's pasture, and holding one of the kids. Her name was Freema, and she was such a sweetie!

Anyway, for a week or so every night my goats have been trying to open the gate and break into the chickens' stall so they can fill their already rotund bellies with chicken feed. 

That's when disaster struck.

Today I opened up the barn doors, only to blink in astonishment. I found ruffled chickens scattered, and two distressed goats looking up at me. Two. There were supposed to be seven. 

What happened?  

Possibilities swirled in my brain, but before they had a chance to materialize I looked over into the corner (the exact location of the chickens' stall) and saw five pairs of wide eyes staring back at me.

The missing goats. 

I was mad. I glared at the goats. They continued to stare helplessly at me. 

Guilty by all accounts.

Judging by the evidence, (i.e., aside from the aforementioned facts, the broken and empty chicken feeder, the turned over nesting box, and the stall gate closed,) being a regular Sherlock Holmes, I reasonably deducted that the culprits had combined their efforts in the massive break in, and they would have gotten away with it too, if the gate hadn't got stuck, trapping them like rats.

"Served them right," I growled, and now they wanted me to let them out? 

Suddenly the absurdity of the situation, and guilty, anxious faces of all the wicked goats hit home, and I laughed, releasing all of the pent up anger and frustration that had gathered inside me.

"Oh, well. What's done is done." I moved to release the prisoners, but froze, hand stretched toward the gate. 

I smiled (an evil smile;) and filled up their grain trough instead, while they watched the two (as chance would have it) innocent goats eat the grain. When I thought they had suffered enough, (roughly two minutes of agony;) I set the prisoners free so they could finish the grain with the others. They didn't deserve any, (they were fortunate not to be sick) but they were goats, after all...

...and goats will be goats, and goats will eat...and eat...and eat...

Smiling, I walked back to the house just as the sun showed his cheery face at last from behind stormy clouds.

Sometimes, when you're mad, you just need to laugh.

~Mallory

P.S. I guess the goats will have to go back in their stall where they belong. (They'll just have to get used to being a little cramped;)

What about you?

Do you ever get mad at things you can't control? 

How do you deal with frustration?

The Sunshine Award!

I have been nominated for another award (The Sunshine Award!) this time by Laura from Gazing Wonders blog. (She's a country girl like me, and I love reading about her adventures on the farm!)

Rules

1. Answer the question set by your nomination blogger.

2. Nominate as many or as few bloggers as you like.

3. Set questions for your nominees.

Now for Laura's questions!

1. Where would you like to live someday?

Way out in the middle of nowhere if I had my pick.  Nothing suits me more than backroads, creeks, fields, and woods.  To be more specific, either here in Virginia, maybe Tennessee, Hawaii (for the surfing) or Ireland.

2. Is there any music or songs that ever gives you the chills from hearing it?

Thriller.  Enough said.

3. How will your ideal dream house look like?

A charming white farmhouse, with green shutters and roof, surrounded by trees and green fields, and maybe a creek close by.

4. Would you prefer to live in the city, or out in the country?

Give me country, country, and more country!

5. Something that inspires you is...

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...that's a toughie.  The sunset for one.  I wrote a bit of a poem called "Under a Tie-dye Sky" about it.  Here's a verse or two.

He reminds me of His promise

Every dusk and dawn,

That to Him soon I’ll rise

To heaven where He’s gone,

Over the tie-dye sky.

He sank below the earth

To save me out of love,

Then He rose once again

And now He reigns above,

Over the tie-dye sky.

When I’m beneath that radiant glow,

Why Jesus died I know.

It was for me death He defied

I know why Jesus died,

Under a tie-dye sky.

As I gaze at the oranges,

Pinks, blues, and reds

I remember how for the world,

His precious blood was shed

Under a tie-dye sky.

And while I watch the colours blend

That though they with the world will end,

For now and forever He’ll be my best friend

Under a tie-dye sky.

6. Were you afraid of a specific horror movie as a child?

Darby O'Gill...and I still don't want to talk about it!

7. Did you ever sleep with a nightlight?

Yes, because I was very imaginative, and I thought all sorts of creatures lurked in the dark.  I quickly outgrew the fear however, and I don't even take a flashlight when I go outside at night anymore.  I'm quite a night owl!

9. Your favorite dessert.

Homemade ice cream (or, does bacon count?) if it is even possible to have favorites.

Image courtesy of internet. (Had no ice cream handy today:)

9. An animal that creeps you out.

Black crickets hopping out from under things, and black widows in the barn.  Yikes, and more yikes!!!

10. A great lesson you have learned over the years?

It's hard to choose just one, but...

I've learned that forgiveness happens when ONE person decides to put his or herself in the other's place, and listens with their heart instead of answering with their head, and asks what they can do to make it better.   

11. Something you can't live without.

BACON.  Amen anyone?  But to be more serious, (because I'm incapable of complete seriousness;) the love of Jesus Christ.  Get this...

Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

No worries then!

My nominees (I'm running out of people to nominate too!)

Cameron

Taleisha

Elizabeth

My questions for you

1. I spy something green...

(Quick! Name something you can see from where you are that's green! Failing green, red!)

2. If I drove by your house I would see...

3. A saying or quote that floats your boat.

4. Your favorite meal (or snack) of the day.

5. A special spot for reflection.

6. Poetry, or prose?

7. What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

8. The first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning.

9. To double dip, or not to double dip?

10. When you meet someone new, what is the first thing you tend to notice about them?

11. Quick, you're all alone, and lost in the middle of nowhere.  All you have to eat is a banana you are holding in one hand while you're being chased by a whole bunch of giant (hungry looking) monkeys.  

Do you: a. Speak monkey, and tell them you come in peace,  b. Eat the banana, and see if they stop chasing you,   c. Throw the banana at the monkeys, or  d. Fight off the monkeys with the banana!

Thanks for reading!  

(I hope you enjoyed my answers:)

If you haven't been nominated, feel free to answer my questions in the comment section.  I'd love to hear your answers!

Sorry I've been rather absent lately, but I'm working on a post right now that should (hopefully:) explain why I've been so BUSY!

Yours truly,

- Mallory

You Tell on Yourself

I read this poem by Jamie Sidwell in a blog post called "Pursuing Godliness" at A Noble Calling.  I liked it, so I thought I would share the full version of it with you!

"You Tell on Yourself"

You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,

By the very manner in which you speak,

By the way you employ your leisure time,

By the use you make of dollar and dime.

You tell what you are by the things you wear,

By the spirit in which you your burdens bear,

By the kind of things at which you laugh,

By the records you play on the phonograph.

You tell what you are by the way you walk,

By the things of which you delight to talk,

By the manner in which you bear defeat,

By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from the well-filled shelf:

In these ways and more, you tell on yourself.

So there's really no particle of sense

In an effort to keep up false pretense

-Jamie Sidwell

Blog Awards!

Libby over at A Noble Calling nominated me for some cool awards!  Fun right?

The Liebster Award...

source: A Noble Calling

Rules:

1. Link the blog that nominated you for the award.

2. Choose 11 bloggers to nominate that have less than 200 followers.

3. Answer the questions given to you.

4. Let the people who you have nominated know when you have done so.

5. You can't nominate the person who has nominated you.

6. Create 11 questions for the bloggers you've nominated to answer.

7. You must follow the blog that nominated you.

(Libby's questions:)

1. What are 3 of your favorite books- besides the Bible, of course?

Ooh, that's a tough one.  "Laddie: a True Blue Story" by Gene Stratton Porter, "Sherlock Holmes" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and "The Story Girl" by Lucy M. Montgomery, to name a few.

2. What is your favorite thing to bake?

I thought the last one was tough! Hmm...if pizza counts, then definitely pizza!

3. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be?

Hawaii, because I love surfing!

4. If you have to live somewhere besides the U.S., where would it be and why?

Scotland, because the country is beautiful, the people have lovely accents, and I would enjoy learning Gaelic! (Which actually isn't spoken very much any more)

5. Name 5 of your favorite movies.

Sergeant York, October Baby, Tangled, Facing the Giants, any movie with Roy Rogers,

6. Do you have any pets? If so, what kinds are they?

I have goats, chickens, and a miniature piebald dachshund named Toby.

7. What's one of your favorite Bible verses or passages?

The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation. - Psalm 118:14

8. Where do you turn when you are needing encouragement?

Oh dear. I do lots of different things!  Sometimes I pray, or sing. Singing always helps! Sometimes I read blog posts, especially Holley Gerth's because they are so uplifting.  If I'm really down, I explore Pinterest! It has both inspiration, (Bible verses, quotes etc.) and pins to make me laugh.

9. Do you know how to sew?

Yes!

10. What is one thing that you don't know how to do, but would like to learn?

I really want to learn how to ice skate!

11. Would you rather hold a snake or pet a shark?

Hold a snake hands down! (Give me a nice, cute little green snake about the size of a pencil with a little pink tongue any day over a shark!)

My questions for you....

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavour? (or other dessert if you don't like ice cream)

2. It's raining outside.  Do you: a. Read a book, b. Catch up on that to do list, c. Watch your favorite movie or TV show, or d. play board games with your family?

3. What book of the Bible do you find most interesting?

4. What's your favorite smell?

5. If you could play any prank in the world without anyone knowing it was you, what would it be?

6. Bacon or Sausage? (and if you're a vegetarian) Apples or Bananas?

7. If you could do just one crazy thing, (i.e. hang gliding, ski down a mountain backwards,) what would you do?

8. Sporty, artsy, or outdoorsy? 

9. If a neighbors dog is running toward you do you: a. climb a tree, b. run, c. play dead, or d. say "nice doggie" and let him smell your hand?

10.  Do you sew, or knit?  If neither,  which would you like to learn?

11.  A favorite Bible verse, or quote?

The Sunflower Award

source: A Noble Calling

Rules:

1. Share 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the questions set by your Nomination Blogger- Nominate 11 bloggers.

2. Set questions for the nominated bloggers. 

11 facts about me:

1. I am crazy about old literature (you'll find me digging through dusty old books at thrift stores)
2. I strongly dislike, and am prejudiced against, wearing the color purple, even though it's a good   color for me. 
3. I am obsessed with jackets (I have dozens!) especially denim, or army green.
4. I love trying new things! 
5. My writing is my life.
6. I like Bluegrass music
7. I'm a mean chess player (Checkmate!)
8. I have a knack for remembering random information, and forgetting the things I'm supposed to remember.
9. I love to knit
10. Being upside down helps when I'm nauseated
11. I'm a dreamer, and am often caught lost in my own world.

(Libby's questions:)

1. How tall are you?

I'm 5' 7 1/2''

2. What is your favorite candle scent?

Scentless, (my mom is sensitive to scented candles;)

3. What are your favorite tea/coffee flavors?

Peppermint, or chamomile lavender tea,

4. Which do you prefer: ice cream or frozen yogurt?


Homemade ice cream!

5. What are your favorite TV shows?

(Warning: Prepare for reruns;)

"Lawman," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and "The Donna Reed Show"


Now my questions for you...

1. Can you wiggle your nose or your ears?

2. Rain or sunshine?

3. Do you have a nickname?
4. Name something you've always wanted to do,
5. Do you watch or participate in any sports?

My Bloggers to Tag (For 1 or both awards)

(I could only think of five to nominate. Bummer!)

Carissa

Amy

Anna

Rachel

Melody

Thanks everybody! Hope you enjoyed! (I did:) If you weren't nominated you're welcome to answer the questions in the comment section. I can't wait to hear your thoughts and answers!
- Mallory

The Language of Flowers

In the old days flowers weren't given just because they were pretty.  They were also often used to send messages, usually to a sweetheart, but sometimes to a sister, mother, or friend.

A gentleman might arrange a nosegay of various flowers to describe his feelings, declare his love, or apologize.  

Since it is the Month of February (Month of Love) and Valentines Day is this weekend, I thought I would share a few of the meanings with you!  

(Okay, more than a few;)

Acacia: Friendship

Aster: Always merry

Balm: Sympathy

Bluebell: True and tender

Camellia: Beautiful but cold

Carnation White: Purity

Carnation Red: My heart is broken

Chrysanthemum: Hope springs eternal

Clematis: Beautiful thoughts

Columbine: Bound to win

Dahlia: Gracious

Daisy: Innocence

Fern: Sincerity

Forgetmenot: Forget not me

Fuchsia: Fickleness

Geranium: Warm regard

Heather: I am lonely

Honeysuckle: Devotion

Hyacinth: Hard fate

Iris: Have faith in me

Ivy: I cling

Jasmine: Friends only

Lavender: Sweets to the sweet

Lilac: Unadorned beauty

Lily: Austere purity

Lily of the Valley: Doubly dear

Marigold: Honesty

Orange Blossom: Happiness in marriage

Pansy: My thoughts are with you

Petunia: I believe in thee

Poppy: Forgetfulness

Primrose: Do not be bashful

Rose Red: Love

Rose White: Worthy of love

Rose Yellow: Why waneth love?

Rosemary: Remembrance

Sweet Pea: I long for thee

Tulip: Unrequited love

Violet: Modesty

Favorite Natural Cold Remedies

Behold, I have a cold!  (Wow, big surprise;)  So guess what?  I thought while I was sitting on the couch wrapped up and feeling blah, I would study up on, and share some natural remedies I like to use (when I feel blah) with you!  

Now I'm sure most of us have heard of rest, broth, steam, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, keeping warm, vitamin C, and the usual remedies, so I won't be going into those.  

Only eight of the slightly less known ones that I'm using RIGHT NOW!

(I am not a doctor.  These suggestions are based on my own personal experience with the common cold and are not meant to be taken as medical advice.  Please check with your doctor before taking or using any herbs or supplements.  Thank you:)  

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar

2.  Cinnamon & honey

3.  Peppermint tea

4.  Chamomile tea

5.  Ginger Tea

6.  Ginger Apple Juice

7.  A favorite book, movie, or TV show

8.  Prayer :)

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar can be effective with sore throats, coughs, headaches, indigestion, nasal congestion, mild depression, skin problems, hydration, and it fights bacteria, among a long list of benefits!

You can drink a teaspoon or two in a glass of water once to three times daily for your health, and as a preventative.  I've only started taking it since my cold, and it's helped tremendously!

2.  Cinnamon is antiviral, and antibiotic.  When mixed with a spoonful of raw honey, it makes a fabulous cough syrup!  (My Dad practically swears by the stuff.)

From what I've read it is also supposed to help with congestion, and lower a fever.

3.  Peppermint tea is antiviral, and antimicrobial.  It helps with digestion, sore throat, lowers fever, and loosens mucus.  Plus breathing in the steam can help clear your airways.  

I also like to drink it for allergies, and breathing in the essential oil is great for allergies too.

4.  Chamomile tea is so soothing and delightful.  It is a very relaxing tea, (I like chamomile with lavender) and I drink almost every night before bed to help me sleep. 

It reduces fever or inflammation, regulates hormones, and promotes a good night's sleep.  Plus it has a light, slightly sweet flavor!

5.  Ginger can be effective against congestion, inflammation, digestion, and sinus symptoms.  

I like to drink it as a tea with a little honey stirred in, but it can also be cooked in soup.  (I wouldn't recommend it raw)

6.  Ginger Apple Juice is a delicious right before bed drink that I found helped sooth my cough, and sleep better because of it.  

I warm a mugful of apple juice, and while it is heating in the pot, I swish around a ginger tea bag in it, taking it out when the juice is ready.  The result is sweet and spicy!

7.   A favorite book, movie, or TV show may not sound like a remedy, but if you are completely miserable and have tried everything, the distraction is most welcome.  

By taking your mind off of how you feel, it can actually help you feel a bit better!

8.  Prayer always helps!  God is always listening, and even if He doesn't choose to remove the cup (cold) He will comfort!  Remember, even the tiniest trials have a purpose.

I hope you don't have a cold, (honestly!) but if you do, you might like to try some of my favorite remedies!  I'm feeling better already, and hope to be out and about soon.

Blessings!

- Mallory

 

P.S.

Remember where I mentioned rest?  I think I'll take some of my own advice.  

A nap sounds wonderful right about now!

Going "Snow-where"

I looked out my window this morning and thought, "Well, I'm going snow-where today."

Here at the end of January, it has finally snowed!  A couple inches of fabulous, powder white packing snow, and I can't even go outside because I have a cold.  I can only look at the beautiful winter wonderland my yard has become.

My situation reminded me how sometimes as Christians we reach a point in our lives where we feel like we're snowbound.  Like we're simply waiting for things to unfold, or the snow (obstacle) to melt.

I have such a long list of things I need to do, and things I want to do, but can't do because of my present circumstances.

Right now I'm "stuck" in a period of waiting...waiting on the snow, and waiting on God.

So I want to take the time to share one of the most important truths we will ever learn.

(Drum roll!!!)

WAITING IS HARD.  (Period)

Because face it, humans are not the most patient creatures on God's earth.  We want things to be happening right when, and how we want them to happen.  We want everything to go our way.

Notice the use of the phrase "we want."  It's all about us right?

But we are no longer selfish individuals.  When we accept Christ's sacrifice, and become part of His family we are new creatures.  Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God - 2 Corinthians 5:17-16

It's not about us anymore.  It's all about God.

Sure things WILL happen, but not always the way "we want," or when "we want" them to.  For your thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8

He knows our future...

For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. - Jeremiah 29:11

We are never really "stuck."  When God says "wait" He always has a plan, and a purpose for us while we're waiting, even if we can't see it right away.  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) - 2 Corinthians 5:7

Joseph was "stuck" in prison, but God had a plan. (Genesis chapters 39-31)

For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

Often God draws us from our work, and busyness to draw us closer to Him.  Even while we are serving the Lord, we can still be easily distracted from Him by the pressing of our own plans and agenda.  Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. - Psalm 37:4

There may be something else He wants us to focus on right now.  (For me, possibly this post?)

Perhaps He has an even better plan for us than we ever dreamed of!

He is always working, even while we're waiting.

I could look at my time of sickness like a calamity, or I could look at it as a time of rest, to write, reflect, and renew my spirit.  A blessing in disguise.

I might seem to be going snow-where, but I am going somewhere in my relationship with Jesus Christ!

I think I'll publish this post, fix a cup of peppermint tea, and grab my Bible for a little quiet time. I'm not too sick to relax, (thank God:) or enjoy a nice warm fire.  Maybe I will find some verses about snow!  Speaking of which...

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of war? - Job 38:22-23

Who says you have to go outside to enjoy the snow?

What about you?

Are you snowbound?  

Feel like you're going snow-where?  

Stuck in a drift?  

Waiting for the snow to melt?  

(Wishing for snow-more snow puns?;)



Then you could ask yourself,

"What does God have for me to do right where I am?"

"What is He teaching me through this?"  

"How can I glorify Him in my weakness?"