Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is a U.S. federal holiday honoring and mourning the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. This day of commemoration started in the years that followed the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many people observe the day by visiting cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day. I came from a … [Read more...]

She sang so sweetly. This young lady smiled as she uttered the melodious love song at a Christian wedding today. The audience gave her their rapt attention. Her voice flooded the auditorium with melody. What a joy to see and hear her serving the Lord, the bride and groom and others with her voice. “I am glad you asked me to do this,” she offered as she spoke to the groom at … [Read more...]

In the valley Times can turn out to surprise us. They can lead us to broad meadows, a flowered beauty, or raise us to the top of mountainous splendor. Yet there are days that unexpectedly reach out to us and guide us into a valley shadowed by uncertainty, frailty, or sorrow. One just never knows what the morrow will bring. A common comment I have heard this winter season … [Read more...]

February, though a short month, has signaled some important dates of the year.  Birthdays for important individuals, such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, my brother, two of our daughters and one grandson, are remembered this time of year.  Some Februarys make for snowy, frigid days.  Others flirt with springtime temperatures.  With Christmas in the rear-view mirror, it … [Read more...]

Have you ever had a project that grew and grew?  Perhaps it was a job that had to be dealt with eventually, but you just did not have the right amount of time to get to it?  Does that sound familiar?  I had such a job awaiting my attention.  Fortunately, I had set it aside in a remote room in my house.  The saying, “Out of sight, out of mind” fits the situation.  My job of … [Read more...]

Sending Christmas cards first appeared in 1843. By 1860, it had become a custom. Our family has sent them since our children were small. We outlined Christmas cookie cutters and let the kids color them, while we parents wrote a verse or message about the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior. We created a little newspaper format card you might enjoy. We call it … [Read more...]

We are in the midst of November. The end of autumn is a perfect point from which to look ahead to spring. The countryside reveals its period of rest and dormancy, a time when rebirth and renewal are just a few short months away. With the harvest ended, the land recovers. As it is now, we enter a season where hope takes us through the expectations of winter’s icy grip. … [Read more...]

Again we have come through a time of year that when it is passed, brings a sense of relief and rest.  The deadlines of processing foods from the garden before spoilage sets in have been reached.  The fresh garden vegetables are settled on the cellar shelves, or they are at rest in the deep freeze. Now I can look forward to equally-pressing work that has been set aside while … [Read more...]

Agriculture is a diverse occupation.  Not only do we raise crops, but we have a variety of animals.  Dairy was our main product for many years.  We now raise beef cattle.  In addition, for our own use we raise chickens.  There are many ways where farming is productive and of value. The chickens, though small creatures, do require attention.  Generally, our flock is free to … [Read more...]

Summer can be a very fruitful time on the farm. Besides baling hay, the garden gets a start in producing its treasures. After the asparagus and rhubarb emerge and produce, the berry blossoms silently make their presence known. As the mature strawberry crop climaxes and declines, the June berries, the currants, and raspberries take to the fore. Yes, fruit is in the making … [Read more...]