26 March 2012
Have you ever planted seeds in eggshells? This spring we’re trying a new-to-us way of starting seeds inside. We’ve tried other ways in the past, all to no avail – this time we’re hoping the story will end with a “happily ever after” (plants growing strong, maturing, and bearing fruit in season).
The process of planting was most enjoyable. (Excepting, of course, for the centipede squirming around in the bucket of dirt.) A few easy-to-come-by “ingredients” were needed:
- Eggshells & Egg-trays
- Bucket of dirt
- Seeds
- Water
We filled the shells in the kitchen – and even our dog Bently seemed to enjoy the process by sneaking a few bites of dirt. (Perhaps he’s low on some minerals?)
Following is a pictorial version of the seed-planting process…
A hole was poked into the bottom of each one so that any excess water could drain. When it comes time to transplant them to the garden, we will simply crunch the shell so that the roots can exit and plant the whole thing.
It’s fascinating to think that something as small as a seed will grow into many meals come summertime. God works wonders!
Have you started planting your garden? Do you start your seeds inside or outside?
7 March 2012
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of visiting friends for a time of delightful fellowship. While we were there, we met their farm’s latest additions: lambs.
The mothers ate while the babies watched us in their own cautiously inquisitive way.
I became fast friends with this wee one. He was most charming
and enjoyed a good, long rub on the noggin.
Mrs. Mendenhall petting my new friend.
Spring is here with new life – beautiful new life!
P.S. Did I mention that the owner of these darling lambs has an Etsy shop & blog? I think you will like them.
20 February 2012
…you know someone put him there.”
This is a handmade turtle. Breezy created it using reference photos of Painted turtles, foil, paper maché, gesso, and acrylic paint.
The main purpose of the turtle was to be a prop for a talk Dad gave at work, focusing on the sovereignty of God and His Providential hand. “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know someone put him there”, was the concluding remark as he placed the handmade turtle on a fencepost.
Now we get to have Mr. Turtle stick around longer than any of our previous wild “pet” turtles who needed to find new homes… he currently sits atop one of our bookshelves. (And, as much as I like turtles, when I forget he’s up there – or find him somewhere else – he takes me by surprise.)
12 January 2012
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.”
—Proverbs 11:25
[ Paperwhites | the gift of bulbs from a friend has grown into a sweet winter beauty ]
9 December 2011
“Then I [Wisdom] was with Him, like a master workman,
and I was daily His delight,
rejoicing before Him always,
rejoicing in His inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.”
(Proverbs 8:30-31)
Striving, with the strength of Christ to daily:
- Work diligently in excellence with willing hands
- Delight in the Lord (at all times)
- Rejoice before and in the Lord
- Rejoice in God’s creation
- Delight in those made in the image of God
Oh, how I desire wisdom! These verses are inspiring instruction to be diligently working and evermore delighting in the Lord, rejoicing in the Lord, and loving the Lord and the work of His hands.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
(Proverbs 9:10)“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
(Proverbs 31:30)
29 November 2011
With the first “big” snowfall arriving today, it’s beginning to look and feel like winter. The temperature has dropped to below freezing, the snow is falling in large, wet lumps from the sky and piling up, layer upon layer, on the chilly ground.
Snow sprinkles.
Boots to keep feet warm in the winter months.
Perhaps before long, our home will be tucked in for winter, just like this:
“Joy to the World” Embroidery Pattern by our Clementine Pattern Co.
.
“God thunders wondrously with His voice;
He does great things that we cannot comprehend.
For to the snow He says, ‘Fall on the earth,’
likewise to the downpour, His mighty downpour.”
—Job 37:5-6
31 October 2011
We rose last Thursday morning to find this beautiful landscape in the mountains of North Carolina. A chilly morning, a foggy haze, and a warm cup of coffee made for a peaceful beginning to a weekend filled with delightful fellowship, encouraging and challenging messages, and rejoicing with many about the great work of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel-Centered Marriages for a Glorious Church conference was a grand adventure! Photos and notes from the conference are coming soon… stay updated here.
“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”
—Ephesians 5:24-27
24 October 2011
One of the joys of autumn is driving to the local orchard and stocking up on apples for the next three seasons. The storefront smells delightful, and the selection of apples is quite varied (my favorite type being Jonagold).
A few weeks ago we peeled, cored, sliced, and froze over one hundred pounds of this crisp, juicy fruit. We hope to preserve more in a couple weeks, if the orchard still has enough.
We’ve already made cobblers from some of the apples. Delicious!
10 September 2011
The Cosmo flower patch is a welcoming place for happy visitors. (Do you see the beetle, too?)