Prairie Oak Homestead

Ugh...this is where the rubber hits the road. Being the submissive wife and trusting your husband is hard...especially when you don't always agree...We are in a particular situation where decisions are being made by several people. I don't necessarily agree totally with the decisions, but my husband believes the decisions being made are for the best right now. So I must go with that. I just hope the people speaking for us are able to convey the reasoning properly. If not, I hope we are asked for clarity. When your husband has made a decision you don't completely agree with, this is when submission comes into play. Oh, I could rebel and go against him and even some others, but that wouldn't be biblical unless I was asked to do something against God. This is where I am tested by God to see if I am going to be obedient to His word or am I going to do what I want. Ugh. I want to do what I want. ;) But, I know that I am to trust my husband and his decisions believi...

My Work I have the greatest work in to world; A husband to encourage when things go wrong, When he comes from work to greet with a song, Denims and shirts to wash and mend, A helping hand, when needed, to lend, Three times a day is meals to cook, To strive to be my best to look, His back to rub at the close of the day, For his faithfulness to God I pray, When hubby's in the field I take lemonade, for all these tasks his love has paid. I am a " Wife." I have the greatest work in the world; A home to keep happy, clean and bright, Make things go smooth and strive for the right, Jams to cook and jellies to make, Cookies and pies and bread to bake, Washing, ironing, and sewing to do, So many tasks, will I ever get through? Lettuce to wash and peas to pick, floors to scrub, lost items to seek, Dishes to wash and windows to shine, These and many more tasks are mine. I am a "Homemaker. " Help me, Father, to faithfully work, Forgive if I unconscio...

I really enjoy being a feminine woman. I am not a feminist. I think there are just some things that we are not equal to men in. God didn't create women to be equal to men except for their standing in the Lord. We are different. We are softer. Men are tough and rugged. Sure, we can be tough in our own way, but not like a man. We can be tough in the way we take pain during child birth, in the way we suck it up and do what needs to be done in an emergency situation, and when we are hurting. But, even during all those situations we still have our softness. We are nurturing. God created us to be nurturers. Taking care of our loved ones with tenderness and love. Being kind and gentle even when it's hard. Men were created to lead and be strong and firm. When we become strong and firm and try to lead, it only confuses things. God created two different types of humans on purpose. When we try and go against that, it becomes stressful, confusing, and unbiblical. Ladies, I e...

We all know how we feel about 'em. LOL... At least this Monday is sunny! I am VERY grateful for that! The birds are chirping and the cats are meowing...it's nice. :) I have to head to church this morning to do some data entry and then I'll be back home to do my chores. I have started to not do any household chores on the weekend. I try and get everything done on Friday so I can have a relaxing weekend. So, Mondays are quite busy with dishes and laundry and such. It's ok though, keeps me busy. ;) Yesterday at church we had baptisms...It is wonderful to watch such a thing. Someone publicly declaring their belief in Christ makes me smile every time. :) I saw my "dad" at church yesterday, but they didn't wave to say hi. I'm not sure why. I know we are not having any communication right now, but a simple wave would be just fine...But, if that's what they need to do then ok. :) I continue to be in prayer for them...I just hope they know it...

Which one are you? A Debbie Downer or a Lucy Lifter? Honestly, I think I tend to be a Debbie Downer...especially when it comes to my own circumstances. I can easily keep my eyes on circumstances and get very down. I can bring my household down. Not a good thing. I can be encouraging to others and see through their circumstances to the cross, but why is it so hard for me to be encouraging to myself? Hmmmm....something to ponder I suppose. :) I'd like to try and be more encouraging to myself and others. The need for encouragement is very great. It's a wonderful gift to have to give. When I really stop and listen and watch for what God is doing it's easy to become a Lucy Lifter again. :) No matter our circumstances, God is ALWAYS in the midst. When we don't see Him there or ignore Him is when we get stressed and overwhelmed. Trust me, when life is swirling around you with it's hurt and disappointments, it's easy to get caught up in the swirling and lose ...

I am realizing more and more the need for prayer. That wonderful communication we have to God. To lay our cries before him, our desires, our needs, etc. But, prayer is also necessary for the intercession of others. We can go before the Lord on behalf of others. How humbling is that? There are so many references in the bible about prayer. We are commanded to do it. We can use it to fight the darkness of the world and to strengthen believers. I am going to list several scriptures pertaining to prayer... Praying for those who mistreat us... The bible says in... Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Luke 6:28 "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Praying and not giving up... Luke 18:1 "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." 1 Thes 5:17 "Pray continually" Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occa...

It's raining here again today...Can I just say I prefer sunshine more? I know we need the rain and Spring is notorious for rain, but it just makes things so messy...The path to the chicken coop is a mud path and it just slops when you walk in it. Hunter has camera club tonight. He's looking forward to that. I'm glad he enjoys taking pictures and he does such a good job. I have some flowers starting to poke up out of the ground. Can't wait to see the blooms. :) I need to tend to the garden area and hopefully Ryan can get it tilled soon. There are lots of little things needing to be done around this ole homestead. :) Continuing to be in prayer for relationships, Haiti, work season this year, a productive garden, strength to put up the harvest, and for God to continue to work in my life. Times can be discouraging, but I know they are only for a season. God's purpose will be fulfilled in my life and I pray that I will have made some sort of difference before I d...

I wanted to give a review of this bible I got in the mail free compliments of BusyMomsBible.com compliments of Zondervan. I tend to get busy around this ole homestead either with chores, cooking, running errands, homeschooling, pondering, praying, listening to my captain's day, etc. So this bible peeked my interest. It is geared for busy mom's like me. It is a regular NIV bible with little snippets of scripture that literally only take a minute to read. And it's PINK! :) If you want to read more, there are 5 and 10 minute reflections to ponder and study. There is also a study index in the back which I love. There you can do a word study or a topical study and it guides you to the scriptures pertaining to whatever word or subject you are seeking. I really enjoy this bible and believe me it takes a lot. I have a bible that is ratty that I just love and would buy new bibles to use and they would just end up on the shelf. I just kept going back to my ratty one. lol. B...

In response to the comments in my last post...I know I just need to be still. I heard this song on the radio today and liked it. Anywhere I go, I can just close my eyes and be still...and hold on to the truth of the love that I know until I know different. In the meantime, I will continue to let my husband comfort me and I will comfort him during this difficult time...

Family means a lot to us...either blood or brought together by the Holy Spirit...I love my family so much. It hurts me when they hurt. It hurts when you feel you've caused it. I feel like my "dad" is hurting so much that he has lost some of his love for me or maybe doesn't want anything to do with me ever again...We had to depart ways for a bit due to some stress that was in a situation and my health was getting down. My heart aches right now. I just love him so much and I pray he knows that. I want what is best for him and his wife and want him to be the best man God has created him to be. He will always be a "dad" to me...that will never change even if his feelings for me as a "daughter" do. I'm praying for strength during this time. I'm praying for healing for a situation. I know God can mend any situation and I am praying hard for that very thing. I pray God comforts my "dad" during this time and I pray he draws his ...

Have you ever asked yourself that question? The bible says in John 8:32..."Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." We are truly free when we know the truth. Only then are we let out of our bondage to fully follow Christ. Truth is what sets us free... What are some things that hinder truth.... Fear ...being afraid to speak the truth in fear of a response from a person. We can be afraid of being misunderstood, so we hide the truth. We can be afraid of what the truth will cost. Oh it can be very expensive to speak the truth. A lot can be lost. But, there is so much to gain... Sin ...our sin we carry can hinder truth. The sin of others can also hinder truth. What we gain by living a life in truth is freedom. Freedom. I'll say it again...FREEDOM. We can only be freed from the bondage of sin by truth. When we speak the truth about our sin, repent, and ask forgiveness, we are truly free. "You have been set free from sin and are slaves t...

I think being discerning is a gift from God. Knowing exactly what to do in a situation is priceless. Being able to know God's will in a confusing time is worth it's weight in gold. :) When we aren't sure, we can always go to God for guidance. Psalm 25:4-5 says.."Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths." He will show us if we just listen... Proverbs 4:11 says.."I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." Exodus 15:13 says.."In Your unfailing love you will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling." Psalm 73:23-24 says.."Yet I am always with you; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me in Your counsel..." Psalm 139:9-10 says.."even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast." Philippians 1:9-11 says.."And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you ...

is the God appointed head of the house. He is the leader of the home. What an awesome responsibility! God has created a man to have broad shoulders to carry such burden. He is responsible for the final decisions of the family, providing for them, protecting them, guiding them in God's word, and helping his family become more like Christ by teaching them the principles of God. We as, wives, need to support our husbands in this. How? By being submissive to his leading. By trusting that he has a relationship with Christ and that is where he gets his counsel. Our Christian husbands seek counsel from the Lord and relay that to the family. We support them by not fighting the decisions that are made. We can also support them as the provider by being good stewards of the money that is brought in. When we are wise in our grocery shopping, that is telling them that what they do everyday to provide for the family is important and not to be squandered. We can also be supportive by ha...

The sun is shining today. :) It's around 60 and it feels so good. I can't wait for the flowers to bloom. :) I really enjoy this weather. I feel so deprived of sunshine in the winter. Especially this winter. It seems there was hardly any sun the whole time. I longed to see the sun and I am so glad that it is out today. :) It brightens everything up. It helps green up the grass and helps to bring out the buds on the trees. Had a scare with my eyes today. I lost peripheral vision in my right eye for a couple hours. I went to the eye doc, but he is not sure of the cause. My eyes look ok. No change from the last visit. He said this happens to some people and no one ever really knows why. He wants me to check my blood sugars for a while to see if that may be a cause. He said the vision loss wouldn't be permanent and the vision is much better now. :) Trying to complete all my chores today. I got a late start due to going to the eye doc. I'd like to get all the...

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again." Psalm 71:20-21 I'm sure most of us have faced some sort of trial in our lives. God says here in the above verse that He makes us see troubles. But, He also gives a promise of restoring our lives again. We have many opportunities to grow during the times of trials. It's not always easy, but it's always for our good. God wants us to be free. The truth sets us free. (John 8:32) He doesn't want us to be bound to our trials, but to see the truth and love in them. Life doesn't always go how we'd like it to. Sure we plan our course in our hearts, but God determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9) He knows best. There are many things I desire in my heart, that may never come to be. That saddens me. But, I trust in the Lord and His will f...

Ryan and his new friend Ben. Ryan's visit to Haiti has made an impact on him...his eyes were opened to poverty, filth, desperation, and heartbreak. Life there is so difficult for the Haitian. They make due with what they have and try and make the best of it. Through all the poverty and filth, he did see hope in some of their eyes. Despite their circumstances, they kept plugging away at making a life for themselves. This is a tent "city" that has been set up. You can see they are selling diesel fuel in the jugs there. It was so dirty...and he said there was these lotto things all over the place... The Haitians that have accepted Christ were on fire for God. They worshiped with fervor and joy. He attended a service which had 200 people attending and the excitement for the Lord was palpable. How awesome! They did a lot of work around the compound they were staying at. He also visited hospitals and an orphanage. God has spoken to his heart about taking care of wido...

This is something I wanted to share with you while you wait for the final Haiti update. My husband is back in the states and will be home tonight! Yay! We have a lot of talking to do and pictures to sort through. I will update as soon as I can. :) My Hope in the Day of Evil “You are my hope in the day of evil.” –Jeremiah 17:17 The path of the Christian is not always bright with sunshine; he has his seasons of darkness and of storm. True, it is written in God’s Word, “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace;” and it is a great truth, that religion is calculated to give a man happiness below as well as bliss above; but experience tells us that if the course of the just be “As the shining light that shines more and more unto the perfect day,” yet sometimes that light is eclipsed. At certain periods clouds cover the believer’s sun, and he walks in darkness and sees no light. There are many who have rejoiced in the presence of God for a season; they have basked i...

I was happy to talk to my husband tonight...it has been a difficult day for me. I'm not always collected. :) I did cry a bit today from missing him. (Steroid blast didn't help any) I am looking forward to seeing him again and hearing all about his experience in Haiti. He leaves tomorrow morning to leave for Miami. He will be there overnight and then fly back home on Wednesday. I am so thankful for my loving leader. I am so happy to be his helpmeet. And I'm so happy at what God is doing in our life... This is the only picture I have so far...The internet there in Haiti is sketchy and very slow so this is the only one uploaded for now. He will upload more when he gets home and I'll be sure to share some with you. :) I am thankful that he was able to express love to this little boy. It was a blessing...it made an impact on him for sure. :) (by the way, can you see the sunburn on his arm below his shirt sleeve?) Yikes. :) He'll need some doctorin' when he...

Chatted a bit with my husband tonight on skype before their internet went down...he visited an orphanage today. He said it was very emotional. I'm sure it was. God is softening his heart and using these experiences to bring about compassion. I'm glad for all what God is doing in Haiti and in my husband... On a side note...I think the loneliness is getting to me. Before you say, "You're not alone, God is always there..." I know that. But, I don't hear His voice audibly and can carry on a conversation out loud both ways with Him. ;) I miss my husband's voice and laughter. I am really looking forward to Wednesday. :) The rest of the week I have plenty of things planned to keep me occupied until Wednesday...finishing touches on cleaning, grocery shopping, and going to the Amish/Mennonite community to get supplies and possibly visit friends. Thank you for your continued prayers for Haiti...

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7 It is a happy way of soothing sorrow when we can feel that –”He cares for me.” Christian! do not dishonor religion by always wearing a brow of care; come, cast your burden upon your Lord. You are staggering beneath a weight which your Father would not feel. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to Him but as the small dust of the balance. Nothing is so sweet as to “Lie passive in God’s hands, And know no will but His.” O child of suffering, be patient; God has not passed you over in His providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Do not sit down in despair; hope on, hope ever. Take up the arms of faith against a sea of trouble, and your opposition shall yet end your distresses. There is One who cares for you. His eye is fixed on you, His heart beats with pity for your woe, and His hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatte...

My husband skyped me again today...He was telling me about what he ate tonight...goat. He said it was actually pretty good. Glad he got to try it. :) He also visited a hospital today...the pediatric unit. He said it was very hard to see. Amputations, burns, broken limbs... I spoke with a man from Haiti today on Skype also...a friend they met there. He wanted to tell me he was praying for us...how awesome. He is excited to be doing God's work there in Haiti...Please continue to pray for him and the people there. A few of the other members have fallen ill... I'll update with more when I can...

I heard from my husband tonight and he is much better! Praise! He said he doesn't even feel like he was ever sick. :) I'm so relieved to hear that! He is just soaking up all of what God is doing and how He can use Him to help the Kingdom. He is so happy to be on a mission. :) Today he repaired screens to keep mosquitoes out of houses. He went into town today and got a few things. He is building relationships there. Tomorrow he is tearing off a roof. Right up his alley since he is a roofer. :) I'm really happy for him to have this opportunity. I'm so glad God is watching over him. I'm glad He watches over me too in my times of fear and loneliness. I must need a lot of lessons in TRUST. :) I must not get it right the first time, so I need A LOT of opportunities to learn. Thank you for your continued prayers...

It takes a lot of effort to lean on the Lord at times and be courageous. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not... Haven't heard from my husband this morning, but no news is probably good news. I'm sure he is feeling better by now. Let's pray... This is a growing period for me...I have had a lot of emotions running through me these last few days. I yearn for a lot of things...but, I know I have to be content with whatever God sees fit to allow me to have. I long for my husband to be home and safe, but I know that he is in the hands of our Lord. I have to be courageous the remember to focus on Him and not my feelings. He knows my feelings and I need to trust in that. I am content knowing that I have a family that loves me not matter what. That is such a blessing. My heart cries out to be with them and live life with them. I will wait patiently to do that again with my husband when he returns. I know God is doing a work in Him there and I am so happy for...

Please keep Ryan in your prayers...he has fallen ill. He woke up this morning with V and D. He is trying to stay hydrated and rested. Not sure the cause. Praying for whatever is causing this sickness to pass quickly so he can continue on with God's work. He is in God's hands and I am comforted to know that, but I am still a concerned wife...Praying he doesn't get worse. He is leaning on the Lord at this time and knows there is a purpose for everything. Here is some of an earlier conversation from skype... Stephanie Wiseley: wish i could be there to help you [12:24:23 PM] Ryan Wiseley: Your prayers are all I need for now. God is making sure I am being taken care of [12:24:47 PM] Ryan Wiseley: Oh, I am drinking sugar/salt water [12:24:59 PM] Stephanie Wiseley: hope you get well soon so you can continue on with your mission [12:25:33 PM] Ryan Wiseley: Me too, though this may very well be my mission for some reason [12:25:48 PM] Ryan Wiseley: I love you so much. [12:25:55...

I heard from my husband tonight and he made it to Borel. He and the team had to ride in the back of a truck standing up for 2 1/2 hours though to get there....He is very humbled by his surroundings. His heart is wide open and I am so proud of him for being obedient. I wish I was there with him. It's hard to be here alone, but I have the comfort of friends while he is away and that helps. :) I am so thankful for what the Lord has done in the captain and I's life. So many things put into motion over the last couple years. It's amazing to see God work and to see Him continue to work in our lives. He's always been there and will always be there. I will try and update when I can with Haiti. The internet connection down there is very scattered. I only get updates on facebook and skype. The cell phones do not work there due to a tower thing. He is helping remodel a house for a missionary family there. They are also hoping to play soccer with some children at the s...

Those of you who have had loved ones go away for any length of time know what I'm talking about. It's that ache in your heart and the pit of your stomach from missing the loved one. I'm trying to be strong in my husband's absence and I will be if I lean on the Lord during this time. I'm so proud of him for being obedient to the Lord and for being open to what God has planned. Here is a status he posted this morning from facebook.... Up and ready to fly into Haiti. Praying and watching for where God is heading and moving. Praying to be broken and rebuilt to be the tool I was created to be and used for the purpose I was created to be used for. Extremely excited and humbled at the same time. Since being missionaries in New Mexico, he hasn't been this open to doing such things again. I'm praying it strengthens his relationship with our Lord and draws us even closer together. I am trying to keep busy while he is away to lessen the ache in my heart, but I kn...

My husband left this morning for Haiti. He flew into Miami this afternoon and then flying out tomorrow for Haiti from there. I miss him already... I'm just trying to keep busy with housework. There is always plenty of that to do here. When you heat your house with wood, there is always dust of some sort. And the dog paws this time of year seem to be never ending... I am thankful for the encouragement and love I have from family while he is gone. What a blessing to have such love in my life. God is so good to us. I plan on reflecting while my captain is away on how I can better serve him in the future. How can I be a better helpmeet and mom? How can I show the love of Christ to him more often? I need to be rooted deeper in Christ and keep my eyes off my circumstances (which can be soooo hard to do) and keep my eyes on the Savior, who is full of compassion. He knows our circumstances and two of us don't need to be thinking on them. :) He can do that all by himself and...