The simple things are most precious

:: Don't get in God's way

I was reading my devotional today, as I usually do.  I won't quote the whole thing here for lack of time but it's Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, March 24. 

I've been reading and God's been confirming time and again the last few weeks how I've gotten in His way at times.  When He's working on the life of another, I get in there and pray that God will keep them safe, not let harm come to them, etc.  And I'm beginning to see that there are times when God will wreak a life before He can save it.  When I've become a necessity in the life of another then I'm out of God's order.  Once I see a soul in the sight of the claims of Jesus (one has either gotten saved or desires it or is at least listening) then my influence has been in the right direction.  Don't try to prevent the storms or fiery trials from coming upon their life.  I'm good at rescuing people. The old dysfunction caretaker.  I must decrease and He must increase.  I need to speak with joy over the pressures on the life.  Never mind what havoc comes, what upsets, crumbling health, fiery trials.  Instead, rejoice with divine hilarity that His voice is being heard. Seems out of character to rejoice with divine hilarity over the troubles of another.  And it doesn't mean that I'm not sympathetic to the pain but,  I get the message Lord.  My hands off, your Hands on.

I love you Lord.

living simply and for Him

~~Sherri

Hunter as a puppy

no wonder we couldn't resist

:: Deliberate peace

Let us spend one day as deliberately as nature, and not be thrown off the track by every nutshell and mosquito's wing that falls on the rails.

Henry David Thoreau

My goal each day.

::A crazy moment in time

  Hi all,

It's been so very long since I've been able to post.  To bring you uptodate, hubby lost his job on 2/28.06 and has been frantically job searching.  This has left me to remain offline so that the phone is open for callbacks.  Between sickness running rampant thru our home, basketball finals, fieldtrips, a crocheting project with a deadline, a geologist visit to our little homestead to view a sinkhole in our backyard, it's just been crazy.  What time I have left has been filled with good intentions to get back to posting but my body won out and sleep would be fast upon me.  The lupus leaves very little extra energy.    grrrrr.

Yes we have a sinkhole, a VERY LARGE SINKHOLE.  About 100 feet by 50 feet by 20 feet deep.  At least down to the first layer.  So our hopes of buying this property is vanquished now.  The geologist recommends that unless we have an open purse to repair said sinkhole, he would not recommend buying the property.  The hole is still actively collapsing.  This was very sad news to hear.  So I'm back to watching the real estate ads, signs in yards, friends who may know someone who is looking to move/sell.  On top of Mike looking for new employment, we are kind of on hold depending on where his new job will be.  And school will be out in 2 months or so and we don't want to go anywhere until Chad is out of school.  It's been a time of shifting emotions.  I can't even plant the garden I wanted and any gardening I do do will have to be container and able to be moved.  So goes my life.

I've been crocheting like a crazy woman.  Have made two scarfs, a shawl, and some cuffs and collars.  I'm still learning how to follow patterns but I am absolutely loving crochet.  It's been a life saver for my sanity. 

I've missed everyone, and have little time still to mosey around and visit everyone but please know that I think about all of you daily and can't wait for life to get back to normal.  My schedule has been turned upside down.  This week I have kids, kids and more kids here for spring break and luckily we had a major snow night before last so they've been quite content to build snowmen and snow forts and snowball fights. 

Hugs to everyone. 

I'm still living simply and for Him,

Sherri

:: Has anyone here actually built a straw bale or cordwood house?

I'm curious if anyone here has actual experience with strawbale or cordwood building.  We are contemplating alternative methods of home building if we decide to buy this home.  It needs expansion to be comfortable for our needs and we'd love to do green building if we can.  We're looking to talk to others who have either built a home or added-on by "green-building" methods.   If you or someone you knows has witnessed or experienced this, and would be willing to tell us about your experience, please email me at ctx36061@centurytel.net or leave your contact info and we'll get with you.

Thanks,
living simply and for Him,
~ ~ Sherri

:: Plain and Simple at the City Museum