Free Range Renegade Chickens

 

I let me chickens free range in our yard.  They usually stay pretty close, clean up the bugs, break down the “horse apples” and work up the compost pile.   At this time of year, my hens get broody – especially this Spring – it has been so nice.  Well, yesterday, I was going up the steps to the top of the barn to throw down some hay – when I heard “Peep, Peep.”  This usually involves my digging through bales of hay to find all the chicks.  So, I followed the “peeps” to find that a hen had set on a nest of eggs in a bucket under the steps.

I pulled the bucket out and moved the whole bucket to the chicken coop.  I tipped it on its side and gave them some water – boy were they thirsty!

Soon, other curious hens came over to see what was going on.  I decided to go do a little more investigating to see what other hens I could find.  I found one in a vegetable basket….setting….

I found the start of a nest in an old planter….

I have several hens setting in the coop too.  I want to have some little chickens here for my daughter’s graduation party.  When our oldest daughter graduated and we had her party here, the little kids loved chasing the chicks.  I’ve already been asked “will you have some chicks???” 

Blessings from Wisconsin.

A Merry Heart

This is week 2 in this month’s study of the book of Proverbs. 

A “Merry Heart”….”A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; 15:13; “;but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 15:15” and the one above. 

This is just my opinion, but being happy is a choice.  You can choose to be happy or choose to be sad.  That is my motherly advice to my kids….they have heard this from me many times….but it is true.  I expect my kids and told them so when they were little….”put a smile of your face and act happy.”  I know, some of you reading this will think I’m terrible.   One thing that I find annoying are “sour pusses.” You know the kids…the ones pouting in the corner…when they don’t get their way.  The nervous mother making excuses…

No one said parenting would be easy, right?  It has been the hardest job I have ever done.  Thankfully, I had a good grandma and mama to reference by their examples.  Yes, they made mistakes – ALL mamas do.  You just need to pray continually for guidance!

Anyway, the merry heart….when I was little, the neighbor lady use to call me “sunshine.”  I guess I was too little to know that was a compliment. 

I know I’ve been blessed – but, life can "deal us a bad hand" at times.  The difference in how we choose to handle it is what God is interested in.  I’m not always able to see the “bright side” of things – but, I’ve learned that – now this is important – I’m not in control of anything. 

The sooner I turn my problem over to Jesus and say “hey, I can’t do this – help me” the easier it becomes.  Oh, I’ve tried the other way, believe me.  My ways are harder than God’s ways. 

So, whatever your day delivers – remember that “a merry heart doeth good like medicine.”  Choose to be happy and feast in God’s blessings.

Blessings from Wisconsin!

Doing Good

 

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” Proverbs 3:27

I love the life lessons within the book of Proverbs.  I’m doing a small study of this book.  I do love the common sense and practical advise that Solomon writes about. 

I know I have some old fashioned ideas and believes.  Well, in comparison to modern practices.  I still remember a day when a neighbor would knock on our screen door and ask to borrow a cup of sugar.  My mom was the neighbor whom every other would ask to do something: “Mrs. Ritchie, could you sew a button on my shirt; could you hem my skirt, could you cut our hair, could you spare a few vegetables from your garden, etc.”  My mom ALWAYS did, or at least tried to do, what was asked of her.  

My dad loved to fish.  He built a homemade smoker in our back yard.  It wouldn’t be uncommon for the neighbor men and kids to come around when the wonderful smell of smoked fish was in the air. He loved to share stories and his “catch”. 

Keep in mind that my mom was a homemaker, my dad a tree surgeon, they had six kids – we were not wealthy, but what we had my Mom and Dad did share.  I’ve been blessed by their wonderful examples.

Wouldn’t it be nice to “go back” to some of those “old fashioned” values!  I try to be a good example of this with my girls. 

Leave me a comment on what old fashioned values you miss.

Blessings from Wisconsin. 

 

   

Grand Repeats, Wausau, WI

 

This is another spot I sell my items at; Grand Repeats in Wausau, WI.  This store is owned by Gloria and she consigns antiques and home furnishings.  The store is a historic 2 story home with each room filled with wonderful items; not only for your home, but garden as well.  She also has a few “girls”  that rent booths (rooms) from her.  Here are some pictures of the inside – however, keep in mind that Gloria is always “buying out” estates and the inventory is forever changing. 

Now on to our room – I share this room with my friend Lisa.  We have known each other since 6th grade.  We have been sharing booths for over 16 years.  We both quit our jobs around the same time to stay home and be with our daughters – she has 2 too.  So, we’ve been doing this antique thing together for a long time. 

Here is the link to the website:  http://www.grandrepeats.com/page/page/6524468.htm 

for more information about hours and directions.

We will be hosting a “Customer Appreciation” week the last week of April.  Treats and freebies – all week.  I am planning to make some cute birds on wire stands as my customer “gift.” 

Also, Grand Repeats has an outdoor flea market on the 2nd Friday of Each month – May thru September – rain dates would be following Friday.  I usually have some free range eggs, home made goodies and art along with $1 tables of overstock. 

Hope to see some of you in the future. 

Blessings from Wisconsin.

Titus 2sday–Bitterness

Bitterness:  A feeling of deep and bitter anger; ill-will; animosity, hatred, jealousy

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you” Hebrews 12:15

Did you know that bitterness is a spiritual poison.   Like a root, not visible on the outside, but dwells deep within the system. 

We all know that a plant doesn’t walk around bragging about it’s roots – it’s the flower they show off.   With good fertilizer, water and sunshine, the flower will be pretty.

That is how we are.  If our roots are full of bitterness, resentment, hatred or hurt feelings – guess what, it will “show” in our life. 

O.K., so maybe I’ve had my feelings hurt.  Someone has offended me at some point in my life.  All too often, we hear of an offense or “hurt” within the Church.  I guess, maybe we expect better from them.  You know that your boss, coworker, unsaved heathen will offend you, but a saved Christian – no way.  Right?

My new quote is “if you are looking for something to get mad or bitter about, I guess you WILL find it.”  We are all still human – some more flesh than spirit. 

I chose bitterness to write about today – because, I know a thing or two about it.  I’m not proud of it, but through many hours of talking to the Lord about it – he has helped me to see how holding on to the things people have said or even done to me can cause bitterness.  He helped me see a new way to look at offenses. 

My brother Frank, is an assistant pastor.  I’ve asked his advise on this.  He said something that really helped me.  O.K., you know, sometimes when you have had your feelings hurt and you tell someone and that person sees your point of view and understands your position; you have confirmation that whatever was done or said was hurtful.  Now, how can I correct it – or correct them.  When is it my time to “slap them in the face with my words???”  This is where Frank helped me….he said “it isn’t your place to do that….you don’t know how God is dealing with that person or how He will handle it.  You might never know.”  That took a while to sink in…but, he is right!

My responsibility as a Christian is to love one another.  God will judge us – make no mistake.  I don’t want to be held responsible to our Savior for some dumb thing I said that hurt a person enough to leave a church.  Nor, do I want to be the person dumb enough to leave.  We are responsible for our actions, including forgiveness of an offense or hurt. 

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?  let him shew out a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth”  James 4: 13-14 (Thanks Frank, you old wise man)

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice; And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32.

Let it go….Blessings from Ringle, WI. 

 

 

Easter Pictures

 

Here are a few pictures of our house for Easter. 

I love the vintage paper mache’ and plaster holiday decorations. 

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The chenille chicks are a favorite too.  My mom use to put ones like these in my Easter basket. 

This rabbit on a motorcycle was part of my commission for doing an estate sale.  He is so cute – I love anything with old springs.

Anna made these cute chick deviled eggs. 

Happy Easter!  Blessings from Ringle, WI.