Abigail - Wise and Determined 11-29-16

She was beautiful & intelligent... She was wise and determined to take action... She prevented disaster from happening to good people... She set a great example for those around her... She was ABIGAIL, wife of Nabal.

As some of you know, we became "backyard chicken" owners in the spring of 2015. We got 5 pullets (female chickens under the age of 1) when they were about 14 weeks old. Over the past 18+ months our 3.5 acre yard has become their home. I'd been advised by a friend who had grown up with chickens that I would be surprised by how much individual personality they exhibited. And... I was surprised.

I'd decided early on that I wanted to name the girls based upon their personalities & actions. So, I began observing them. While others tried to name them things like "Big Booty Judy", my mind was set upon using women's names from the Bible. I thought this could be a great lesson in the years to come for our then 2 year old "Little" one. A few names came to mind - as I was more familiar with their stories in the Bible. I consulted with my favorite female scholar & sister friend, Aunt Kimmy, for confirmation of my thoughts & additional name recommendations. I took notes of our conversation that day as we sat beside the cement pond. I still have those notes.

As the weeks went by, the first one to be named was Abigail. She was the first to allow the Little to pick her up. She was the first to jump on top of their "Spa". She was the first to investigate the perches I'd made inside their chicken run. She was the first to lead them back to the run and into the chicken coop at dusk. She was the first of many things. She was beautiful -- with 3 dominant white feathers at the base of each wing. The others seemed to put her in a place of leadership. She would often call out for them when a hawk was heard screeching in the distance.

We lost our Abigail to a predator the day before Thanksgiving. I was a bit surprised at how emotional I was over it. It was pretty traumatic seeing what that animal did to her. However, my sadness went deeper than that. I, an educated and most-of-the-time rational adult, had begun to see those chickens as more than mere wild animals.

I returned to the Bible to read the story of Abigail in the 25th chapter of 1 Samuel. And, I consulted a post from Bible Study Tools as I reflected upon the name I'd chosen for her in those early days. If you're able, take a few minutes to read the story in 1 Samuel 25. Also, here are a few excerpts from the Bible Study Tools post:

Abigail ("whose father is joy") definitely belongs in the study of great women of the Bible. She is the one (in our study) whom most people are less likely to know. Scripture presents her as a beautiful, intelligent woman whose lot in life is one of being married to a rich fool. Abigail reveals how wisdom and determined action need to partner in order to save good people from disaster. Being wise in itself may not be sufficient in some situations. Without taking immediate action, it is possible to simply stand by and watch destruction that could be avoided. Abigail was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance. She was both beautiful and intelligent. Except for her intervention, the obliteration of her husband and his household would surely have been the result. She stood in the gap protecting both parties. Her decisive action allowed life to continue. She seized the information given, understood what needed to be done, and then did it.

It appears that our Abigail lost her life in protecting the other 4 hens - who hid up in the branches of a thicket until I came calling for them. Although the outcome of our Abigail and the Abigail in the Old Testament are different, I see so many similarities between them. I am thankful that I felt led to name her ABIGAIL!

11-23-16
RIP ABIGAIL

 05-30-15
1st to perch
each night early on

6-4-16
baby Abigail pic
5 days after arriving
at our home

6-6-15
first to check out
the "Spa" roof

6-7-15
hanging out with the Little

6-13-16
first to eat from
my hand

6-13-15
first to eat from
the Little's hand

6-14-15
first to let
the Little hold her

11-13-16

Abigail & Rachel
helping "rake" leaves

PS In case you are wondering, the names chosen over those early months for the other 4 hens were:

• Esther 
• Elizabeth 
• Rachel 
• Lydia

Abigail - Wise and Determined

She was beautiful & intelligent... She was wise and determined to take action... She prevented disaster from happening to good people... She set a great example for those around her... She was ABIGAIL, wife of Nabal.

As some of you know, we became "backyard chicken" owners in the spring of 2015. We got 5 pullets (female chickens under the age of 1) when they were about 14 weeks old. Over the past 18+ months our 3.5 acre yard has become their home. I'd been advised by a friend who had grown up with chickens that I would be surprised by how much individual personality they exhibited. And... I was surprised.

I'd decided early on that I wanted to name the girls based upon their personalities & actions. So, I began observing them. While others tried to name them things like "Big Booty Judy", my mind was set upon using women's names from the Bible. I thought this could be a great lesson in the years to come for our then 2 year old "Little" one. A few names came to mind - as I was more familiar with their stories in the Bible. I consulted with my favorite female scholar & sister friend, Aunt Kimmy, for confirmation of my thoughts & additional name recommendations. I took notes of our conversation that day as we sat beside the cement pond. I still have those notes.

As the weeks went by, the first one to be named was Abigail. She was the first to allow the Little to pick her up. She was the first to jump on top of their "Spa". She was the first to investigate the perches I'd made inside their chicken run. She was the first to lead them back to the run and into the chicken coop at dusk. She was the first of many things. She was beautiful -- with 3 dominant white feathers at the base of each wing. The others seemed to put her in a place of leadership. She would often call out for them when a hawk was heard screeching in the distance.

We lost our Abigail to a predator the day before Thanksgiving. I was a bit surprised at how emotional I was over it. It was pretty traumatic seeing what that animal did to her. However, my sadness went deeper than that. I, an educated and most-of-the-time rational adult, had begun to see those chickens as more than mere wild animals.

I returned to the Bible to read the story of Abigail in the 25th chapter of 1 Samuel. And, I consulted a post from Bible Study Tools as I reflected upon the name I'd chosen for her in those early days. If you're able, take a few minutes to read the story in 1 Samuel 25. Also, here are a few excerpts from the Bible Study Tools post:

Abigail ("whose father is joy") definitely belongs in the study of great women of the Bible. She is the one (in our study) whom most people are less likely to know. Scripture presents her as a beautiful, intelligent woman whose lot in life is one of being married to a rich fool. Abigail reveals how wisdom and determined action need to partner in order to save good people from disaster. Being wise in itself may not be sufficient in some situations. Without taking immediate action, it is possible to simply stand by and watch destruction that could be avoided. Abigail was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance. She was both beautiful and intelligent. Except for her intervention, the obliteration of her husband and his household would surely have been the result. She stood in the gap protecting both parties. Her decisive action allowed life to continue. She seized the information given, understood what needed to be done, and then did it.

It appears that our Abigail lost her life in protecting the other 4 hens - who hid up in the branches of a thicket until I came calling for them. Although the outcome of our Abigail and the Abigail in the Old Testament are different, I see so many similarities between them. I am thankful that I felt led to name her ABIGAIL!

11-23-16
RIP ABIGAIL

 05-30-15
1st to perch
each night early on

6-4-16
baby Abigail pic
5 days after arriving
at our home

6-6-15
first to check out
the "Spa" roof

6-7-15
hanging out with the Little

6-13-16
first to eat from
my hand

6-13-15
first to eat from
the Little's hand

6-14-15
first to let
the Little hold her

11-13-16

Abigail & Rachel
helping "rake" leaves

PS In case you are wondering, the names chosen over those early months for the other 4 hens were:

• Esther 
• Elizabeth 
• Rachel 
• Lydia

Veterans Day THANK YOU!

On this day... on every day... WE THANK YOU for your service!

There are many great things about our country. There are many things that we need to continue to work on in our country. YET, we cannot forget or fail to honor the men & women who are no longer in active duty and those who currently serve in the Armed Forces. I appreciate the men & women who made sacrifices for, not only a better country, but for a better world. In addition, a debt of gratitude is owed to the parents, spouses, siblings, children & loved ones who have sacrificed so that their loved one could serve.

Veterans Day is specifically set aside to honor those who are no longer in active service. Many gave their lives. Many have gone unnoticed. Our veterans modeled a love and a life that has influenced future generations to step forward and take the mantle upon their shoulders.

For those who served and for those who serve now and for those who will serve in the years to come...

WE SAY THANK YOU!

When In Doubt... Do or Don't?

Just a quick "morning after" share in the wake of our Presidential Election of 2016...

A personal friend shared some great words of advice this morning...

"Watch what you say and post today, friends.

There are a LOT of emotions flowing.

Happy about it or upset about it,

it's better to not say something than wish you hadn't."

~ A. S. Fletcher #quote

It's great advice for every day really. If we could just hold our tongues until our heads & hearts got to weigh in and pair up with our words, how much smoother would life go?

As a little girl my mom said this over & over & over again to me:

"If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all."  

(Apparently I was very vocal with my views, with my disappointments, with my expectations, with my disapproval's, etc.  Hopefully I have gotten a little better with that!!)

A great reminder was given to me again this morning through the words of a friend! Those words resonated with the very core of my being. And... when I see or hear words that resonate with me in a strong way, I share them... that's just what I do!

Us The Duo - Take Me Home / Finding God In The Ruins

Trina won her heavenly reward today - cancer lost its battle against her body. 

This is a GREAT video for anyone who is hurting, who needs encouragement or wants to provide encouragement, etc.  Make sure to read the script that goes along with the video.

Home is where the heart is... God will take you home to His arms.

RIP Trina! Prayers covering your loved one who are grieving your presence in this earthly world.

Why Am I Doing This? #write31days 10-31-16

I don't know how many times this month (October 2016) I have asked myself,

"WHY AM I DOING THIS!?!?!?!"

This has been my 5th year of participating in the #write31days challenge that was extended several years back by Myquillyn Smith of The Nesting Place. I decided to "free-write" the posts this month which is a good mental exercise for me. However, I began the month with the first 8 days on the high seas with limited internet connection, then 12 days of the month in Kentucky, and one day in Virginia. That left me with only 7 days in my "regular home". And, I must admit there've been a few days which turned out quite differently than what I'd hoped. Either way, I've enjoyed the challenge. 

Thanks Myquillin for the challenge. Love the byline on the Nesting Place's page:

"It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." 

And, wow... my writing is certainly NOT perfect... but, perhaps it can be beautiful to someone. What a great motto for each of us to embrace in so many areas of our lives. I lived many years when I strived for perfection and refused to see beauty elsewhere. Those years are over - with just a few bumps in the road from time to time. Life has become beautiful despite the messes, mistakes, challenges & losses.

So... why AM I doing this? This blogging... this Facebook page... this Pinterest page... this Twitter account... this Instagram account...???? Why am I doing it all?? 

An affirmation came this week in the form of a notification from the Facebook page I started and manage (which is affectionately called the stuckinindiana page). I get notice most of the time when someone has liked or shared a post that I shared initially. When I got notice of someone liking & sharing a picture (aka a stuckinindiana pairing) that I'd posted way back on December 9, 2015, I was reminded why I do this. The 2015 pairing liked and shared a few days ago was:

"If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman,
I shall feel that I have worked with God."
~ G. K. Chesterton  #quote

Each of us has the opportunity to put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman... and thus work with God. That is my hope & my dream... and why I am doing this.

This is MY LAST POST for the 2016 October #write31days challenge. And, over the month, I've come up with ideas for probably another 20-25 posts. Who knows when the next one will happen :)

5 Minute Free-For-All - Why Am I Doing This? #write31days 10-31-16

Here's the page for direct links to all 31 of the posts: 5 Minute Free-for-All 

When It Gets Crisp in the Fall - #write31days 10-30-16

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious
as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

With the new out-of-state job as of July, our family is entering into the unknown with winter on it's way. Our Indiana home is in a small township - in farm country (fields & livestock) - outside of city limits. We all have wells & heat our homes with propane gas out here. Our electric service is known for being spotty in the winter months. Our road is rarely EVER plowed. There are times when it's even hard to get out of our driveway to the road.

Like most wives, I give the LOML a hard time about what he does and doesn't do around the house to help out. But, the truth of the matter is, he is ALWAYS taking care of us in those winter months. 

This winter he'll have to make a 5+ hour commute from Kentucky to Indiana to come see the 3 of us here for weekends and holidays. What will happen to us when he's not around is yet to be seen. This is one winter where I'll be praying a lot for a mild winter, clear roads & traveling mercies!  

So, I am especially cherishing the autumn and putting aside any trepidation I might have for the coming winter. I've been back in Indiana for most of this week & enjoyed going on my walkabouts to see how autumn has decorated my little piece of the world.  The following "stuckinindiana pairings" have been put together with pictures I took this week here in the land of stuckinindiana. I hope you enjoy them. And, I hope that you enjoy whatever season you're in as you read this post!!

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket
than all the other seasons.”
~  Jim Bishop

"Autumn is a second spring
when every leaf is a flower."
~ Albert Camus

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.
 ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  #quote 

“It was a beautiful bright autumn day,
with air like cider and a
sky so blue you could drown in it.”
~ Diana Gabaldon

“The leaves fall, the wind blows, and
the farm country slowly changes from
the summer cottons into its winter wools.”
~ Henry Beston #quotes

"Life starts all over again
when it gets crisp in the fall."
~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

Walking outside the past few days here in the land of "stuckinindiana" gave me a renewed outlook and a sense of energy to face the coming seasons in our lives. I ended up with over a dozen MORE shots of autumn that are waiting to be paired up with a good quote. I'm so grateful for fresh autumn air & the beauty of the season. 

5 Minute Free-For-All - When It Gets Crisp in the Fall - #write31days 10-30-16

Open for Examination? - #write31days 10-29-16

It's so easy to use up most of our time running around doing good -- and feeling good about it. But, perhaps God wants to point out something in us that needs to be changed... made new... refined. Our hearts need to be open for examination on a daily basis -- not just when we run out of good things to do on our own. 

And face the fact, it's hard to let Him set the agenda for us when we feel that He's equipped us so well that we should plan & do things all on our own.

Many believers are familiar with this scripture:

"Search me Oh God & know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts; and if there be any wicked way in me, lead me to the way everlasting."  Psalm 139:23 & 24

I wonder how many times I've prayed that scripture but, didn't really want God to point out anything that I needed to change?

I don't believe that the relationship with Christ is a scorecard - where the relationship is right on track if the checks in the "Good" column exceed the checks in the "Bad" column. I believe we can be sailing along, convinced that we are right on target, because we aren't really doing anything "bad". But, what about ASKING God to point out areas He wants to change? What about allowing Him to examine our innermost heart & begin the changes that need to happen for His perfect will to be accomplished. I think there are so many good things to be done in our world. But, there's a time and a place and a person for each of those things.

My personal challenge is to open my heart to God daily & allow Him to examine and search me. I want to listen to Him & apply what I hear. I encourage you to take a moment to open your heart to Him daily - allowing Him to search you & to point out ways that you can be more of what He created you to be. 

5 Minute Free-For-All - Are You Open for Examination? - #write31days 10-29-16

Thank Goodness He Takes Care of the Simple-Minded - #write31days 10-28-16

When I was a very young child, I remember my grandmother exclaiming, "Thank goodness the Lord takes care of the simple-minded!". This was right after she was informed that my 6 year old cousin had snuck out of her house & crossed the street to play at the city park. I knew she was referring to my cousin & remember wondering what simple-minded meant.

Well, time marches on & the term simple-minded isn't used any more. But, I have always thought the term was a bit funny and have always thought myself to be simple-minded about certain things :) Throughout life, as I have made senseless mistakes or felt insecure or insufficient in my actions or abilities, I've seen the Lord protect me and help me out. So many times my mind went back to grandma's "scripture" .

Today I almost missed out on something and thought, "If I was paying more attention, I would have known about that". I was extremely frustrated that I was so forgetful about certain things. And, then I quickly thanked the Lord for pointing it out to me. And, I said what my grandmother said that one day. "Thank goodness the Lord takes care of the simple-minded!"

Well, here are a few translations of what my grandmother had said. These are from the Bible, Psalm 116:6:

• The Lord preserves the simple. NKJV
• God takes the side of the helpless. The Message
• God protects those of childlike faith. NLT
• The Lord protects the unwary. NIV

So...
Q: What did I almost miss out on?

Dancing with the children on the green screen at the
WFYI Members Halloween Party :)

A: The annual Members Halloween Party at WFYI in Indianapolis... GOOD TIMES :)

Fellow believers... don't stress about your short-comings... God has your back!!

5 Minute Free-For-All - Thank Goodness He Takes Care of the Simple-Minded - #write31days 10-28-16

Words of Wisdom by Buechner - #write31days 10-27-16

There are several writers who hit the ball right out of the park with their words, so to speak. Some that come to mind are C. S. Lewis, Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ann Voskamp. 

One writer whose words reach into the core of my being is Frederick Buechner. (from his website: Frederick Buechner - pronounced BEEK-ner - is an American writer and theologian. He is the author of more than thirty published books and has been an important source of inspiration and learning for many readers. His work encompasses many genres, including fiction, autobiography, essays, sermons, and other nonfiction.) 

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Buechner:

"The sacred moments, the moments of miracle, are often the everyday moments."

~ Frederick Buechner, The Magnificent Defeat #quote

"Your life and my life flow into each other as wave flows into wave,

and unless there is peace and joy and freedom for you,

there can be no real peace or joy or freedom for me."

~ Frederick Buechner #quote

"Whatever else is withheld,

the shepherd never withholds himself."

~ Frederick Buechner, Secrets in the Dark #quote

"I not only have my secrets, I am my secrets. And you are yours. Our secrets are human secrets, and our trusting each other enough to share them with each other

has much to do with the secret of what it means to be human."

~ Frederick Buechner #quote

"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach,

because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you."

~ Frederick Buechner #quote

"Joy is a mystery because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most unpromising circumstances, even in the midst of suffering, with tears in its eyes....”

~ Frederick Buechner #quote

"The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.”

~ Frederick Buechner, The Hungering Dark #quote

For more Buechner quotes, we have an album on Pinterest and an album on Facebook.

5 Minute Free-For-All - Words of Wisdom by Buechner - #write31days 10-27-16