… every age has its long tiresome journey. Sometimes it is an endless lurching over miles of dry grass and sunflowers, and the breaking of raw prairie sod. And sometimes it is an endless fighting for the peace and comfort of fellow men.
– Bess Streeter Aldrich, A White Bird Flying
I stopped to ponder that quote as I read it over and over to myself. It takes time for me to process words. What I kept running through my mind was the beginning.
… every age has its long tiresome journey.
From one generation to the next, life, with all of its advances, doesn’t necessarily make it easier, does it?
Then there’s scripture.
Scripture which brings forth light upon the paths of our journey.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3
I lost a nephew, in utero, last month. It stung me with the might of a thousand bees; yet, not one could be seen. Like words on a page that capture my thoughts, it took me time to process my sorrow.
I was saddened for a life I hadn’t come to know. For the sweet snuggles that I’d yet to embrace, for the squealing pitch of a tantrum that I’d yet to hear, for the sweet glance of a baby boy searching for his Tita as he’d gaze into my eyes and smile that I’d been found.
Isaiah was his name.
Although hurt, there is love.
Just as every age has its long tiresome journey ahead of them, we who know Him will be strengthened.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.Isaiah 40:29-31
And in His strength, joy can be found.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:6-9
My family was blessed by dear friends that came alongside us during this difficult time. Some that have walked the same path and were able to help by speaking the hard things that needed to be said.
For this, we are incredibly thankful.
As all things pass, life moves forward. Sometimes a bit melancholy, but always in joy.
I don’t know why these sorts of things happen nor will I try to make sense of them, but I do know that Isaiah is with Jesus.
He’s with Jesus!
For that, I am filled with joy.
I don’t ever want to forget my little man, so today he’s in my words.
My heart will always yearn to meet you, baby. One day, I will get that snug. It’s going to be a long one and there will be a millionety (yes, I made that word up) kisses to follow.
Life is good, friends.
In a couple of weeks my family will be moving to a new home in the city. It seems we’ll be putting our homesteading dreams to rest for awhile. Not completely. I have a few plans on how I can use our parcel of land to raise some animals next year and start planting some trees on our property. It’ll be a good mix of city and country life, which is okay with me as my number one priority in life right now is homeschooling these kids of mine. I am excited for my new urban homesteading plans as well 😉
I’ll be back soon to share more about homeschool and to continue in our anxiety series.
Until then, here’s a simple to make, refrigerator pickle recipe to make use of end of the season cucumbers. I know you’ll enjoy it.
Simple to make, refrigerator pickles. Sour and full of crunch!
Ingredients:
- 9-10 small pickling cucumbers
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed then peeled (2 per jar)
- 3 teaspoons pickling spice (1 tsp per jar)
- fresh dill weed or dill heads (about a good 1-2 tsp per jar)
- 1½ cups raw, apple cider vinegar
- 1½ cups water
- 2 tablespoons large granule sea salt (kosher or pickling salt)
Method:
- Gently clean and remove any dirt and debris from the cucumbers.
- Slice the ends off of the cucumbers and quarter each one.
- Pack them into 3 pint sized mason jars.
- To the jars add the garlic cloves, pickling spice, and dill.
- In a medium sized heavy bottomed pan, bring the apple cider vinegar, water, and sea salt just to a simmer.
- Pour the brine into the jars, leaving about a ½" headspace.
- Screw the lids onto the jars and allow them to cool completely on the counter. Once cooled place the jars in the refrigerator. Let them sit for 24-48 hours before eating.
Notes
These pickles should last a few months in the refrigerator.
Leave a Reply