Prairie Oak Homestead

And my boys are out spending the day together shooting and having lunch. What am I doing while they're gone? Glad you asked ;) I crank up the country music and dance around the house while I dust. LOL It's a good motivator and no one's here to laugh at me. ;) They are leaving again tomorrow to spend some time together before Ryan leaves for Haiti, sooooo maybe I'll just be a dancin' again tomorrow. LOL But, I'll be hemming up some jeans for him and doing some more cleaning, like mopping the dog foot printed wood floors. Ugh.... I made some banana coconut bread yesterday that came out pretty tasty. We are running out of jam, so I may be making some while the captain is away in Haiti. I have big plans to keep me busy while he's gone so I don't go missin' him too much (not sure if that's possible) I am going to deep clean, take Hunter to a movie, buy Hunter some jeans because he has grown out of ALL of his pants since Christmas (wow), make...

The sun is shining again today and I am thankful for that! :) What joy the sunshine can bring when it seems to have been so dark for so long. I had a very encouraging evening last night. I was able to witness the work of God in someone's life and it brought such glory to God. It shows that when we put self aside and allow God to work in us, amazing things can be accomplished for His glory. Communication was restored with a loved one last night. I am so thankful for that! And it brings a lot of joy to my heart. Here's what I've learned over several weeks of not having communication with this loved one...I found tremendous joy in that relationship. And when that relationship was cut off, I lost some joy in my heart. I've learned that that shouldn't be. I should have joy in my heart no matter the circumstances because Christ is my joy. So no outside influence should hinder my joy. That was a hard lesson for me to learn. But I'm glad I had the opportuni...

Well, it's another cold, drizzly day here in Central Illinois....can't wait for spring. :) I look forward to beautiful flowers and birds singing and building their nests. (Just this year they can't build near my soffits) What a mess that was last year... I look forward to the new life that God brings forth every spring. Seeing all the baby animals warms my heart. I find A LOT of peace and joy in His creation. It's truly amazing. Had a wonderful meal last night with our small group. Had a good laugh, which helped take my mind off some things for a while. I've had a bit of fear in my heart still and I want to hand that totally over to Christ. Why is it so hard? I think it's hard because it's the fear of the unknown...not knowing if relationships will be able to be restored with full communication, not knowing what lies ahead for my sight and health, not knowing how my son's life will turn out, etc...BUT, I've come to realize more and more to ...

It's a sunny day so far here in central Illinois...I hear there may be snow in store though...I guess that's ok. :) More time to cuddle up indoors by the woodstove. I went up to the neighbors with my son to help with the chicken chores while they are out of town. It was a brisk morning, but the sun felt so good on my face and I just love to watch chickens run around. :) I like watching my own run especially in the summer while I'm gardening... My husband is leaving for Haiti in a little over a week. Please be in prayer for his safety and that God would use Him to do His work. Pray that while he is gone, nothing major happens here. His best friend that I normally would call if something happens when my husband is gone is going with him...I don't know who I would call at a moment's notice if I needed a man for something. So just pray I won't need to. :) Pray that I won't need a treatment while he is gone. I don't like to have them alone... I'...

With the uncertainty with the future of my eyes, I have been more in tune with the simple things in life. I enjoy a sunrise all the more. I enjoy listening to the birds in late winter seeming to be getting ready for spring. I enjoy the smell of the fresh, crisp air early in the morning. There are so many things we take for granted... I have had a lot of adversity in my life, it's just the way it is. But, it has shaped me to be who I am. Through that, I have been able to allow the Lord to mold that shape. His hands are gentle in that molding. And, I've had to have a lot of molding... I want that my life would be a reflection of Him, even through hurt, pain, and confusion. I want my life to be full of love for Him and others. And I want that love to be known...it's up to me to let that love be known... I have joy and thankfulness in my heart for the love that He has allowed to flow through other people in my life. One way God shows His love in action is through Hi...

I'll be the first to admit I don't have it all together. Today is a hard day for me. I have yet another migraine, which is really bothering my eyes. My muscles are weak and have had a difficult time swallowing the past few days. :( This is where I struggle today....I am really bummed. This, what feels like, constant suffering is getting me down...today. Before you gasp and say I'm not relying on the Lord enough...I am. I just don't like feeling like this. I'm sure I could be leaning on Him more than I am today, though. I wish God would allow me a week of feeling sooo good. Everyday, just about, I wake up suffering in some way. My mind says "Please make it stop." My heart says, "Do with me as you wish, Lord. If you have me to suffer, well please let me suffer with grace." I love the Lord with all my heart. I am not mad or disappointed in Him. I just don't like this fallen world we live in and have to experience. I know that God...