This Is A Precious Story!

Good morning sweet ladies,

This morning I was listening to a sermon by Erwin Lutzer from Moody Church on A Mother's High Calling, it was a blessing to my heart. Could we please pray for Momma's today.....some are walking through some very difficult times. I have received some emails asking for prayer. Thank you for joining me. Go HERE if you would like to listen to the sermon. He is doing a sermon on Fighting for Your Family.......we are listening to them as a family.......excellent. 

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, you sons and your daughters, your wives and your HOMES." Nehemiah 4:14

Isn't that an amazing verse? I will fight for my family!!!!!!!

My daughter Tress came in the house a few days ago from getting the mail. There was a package for me......I had not been expecting one. I opened it. On the envelope it read.........

Please read before opening little present!

So I opened the card......and this  letter was on the inside....... 

Dear Linda,

Greetings and love to my friend in Kansas. When I read your post yesterday about Lily (my lamb) my heart broke for you. When I went to bed I was praying for you. You have been going through some difficult times with the loss of your different farm animals and your mom. The Lord reminded me of something that I needed to share. About a year ago I was going through something. Had to have some test done and I not a fan of test/needles. Anyway the Lord gave me different scriptures to stand on. I would meditate on them day and night. I am a kid at heart and so throughout the years I have a few little stuffed animals. I have a few bears, sheep etc. Anyway I had a little sheep that I carried with me. I would put it in my jean pocket and off I would go. It was a reminder that He would never leave me nor forsake me. If I got nervous I would just put my hand in my pocket and hold my little lamb (Jesus). It as my tangible Jesus! In my spirit I knew He was there, but He knew I just needed my little lamb. As I prayed for you I said Lord do I need to send Linda my little lamb. He knew I would, but it came to me about one of my other lambs. At the moment I felt like I knew why. As I lay there I finally had to get up to confirm what He had said to me. So I went to my drawer where I have my lambs, picked it up and yes the Lord always knows.! He never ceases to amaze me! I am in awe of goodness, love, details. He is majestic, marvelous, wonderful, caring! I could go on and on. So amazing to think that when I bought this He knew one day it would be yours! He loves you sooo much!!! So enjoy this gift from the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When you look at the tag on it, all will be answered! Hugs and love to my friend!!!!!! Love & Hugs,  Judy

Remember she said for me to read the letter first. I opened the little present........the tag read this.......AMAZING GOD!

The tag said "Lily".......God used it for Judy as well as myself about how He is always in the details. Very very precious of Him to do that for us! Now He has done it for you also!

She was the giver of the gift.....He used her to love me.......she knew I would be blessed. I was. Is there anyone that you could bless this next week? If so please leave a comment on what the Lord did. I would loveeee to hear about it! 

Hugs to your day.......He loves you......so very much! Good reminder,

Linda

The Engagement Story From Her Momma!

Hello sweet ladies, 

I have wanted to do this post for some time.......it will explain why life has been a little on the "very" busy side! As you know our youngest daughter is getting married. Let me explain a little about our family. Children were a huge part of our life. My sweet man and I love them!!!!!! Behold, children are a heritage (gift) from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3. All of our married life,  which is almost 39 next month we have had children in our life. We have 5 here on earth and two little ones in heaven....which one day I will be a part of their lives!!!!!! We had our boys first.....Jason is 41, Josh is 37 and Jarad is almost 34....then 13 years later we had Tressa......and 3 years after that we had Taylor. We had the 3 boys in semi homeschooling and private schooling......when the girls came into our lives we knew that teaching them at home was "our privilege" and we knew we wanted to do it. So all this to say....I am 61 and never not had a child in our HOME! Just one more thing......when we had our children we dedicated them personally as soon as each child was in our arms after birth..... we asked the Lord for his guidance and help in raising them. Years we prayed that the Lord would bring our daughters husbands to our home........He did just that last year with our youngest. TO OUR HOME! As we were praying with the girls as they were growing up they knew our prayer. We told them to wait on the Lord and He would provide a young man for them. They trusted the Lord and did not date.......and waited. It was as amazing to us that the Lord "did" (we were so excited) bring the young man to our home!!!!! At first they started out with a sweet friendship.......then soon it was more of an interest. Tyler is his name......he knew that he would need to meet with her daddy and myself before anything serious could happen. 

One day he asked us at the college if he could talk with us. He was nervous!!!!!  So were we, but we didn't let him know that! We got to know him in a precious way.....and he us. He came to the house and we told him our prayers and desires for Taylor. He respected our wishes...we told him that Taylor was a gift for us from the Lord.....and we were responsible before God for her life and had taken raising her in the ways of the Lord seriously. Behold children are a heritage (gift) from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3 That she was a ruby to us...."A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10, that we expected no hand holding or kissing......now to some that may sound weird and that is fine....but for us we wanted friendship and not the physical to get in the way. We said that we expected that for her and we were serious. Taylor trusted us through the whole thing. She submitted to her Daddy and the Lord, which one day would be transferred to her husband. Tyler totally agreed with our wishes. He told us that he was serious about the relationship and wanted to pursue her. We knew he was special......as the relationship grew. A young man that will listen to the parents and do what has been asked is a special thing. We were watching. He respected her Daddy, myself and Taylor. He put her before himself.  I can't tell you how precious he was with our family. He started sending her scripture that were on her phone when she woke.....she would send one so he would have it after baseball practice......it was a very precious thing to watch. They started reading the same scripture together everyday. They were growing.

He came again......and ask if it could be official that she could be considered more then a friend.......that he wanted us to know that this was a serious relationship for him towards marriage. They went on their first date. He had her home early......another gift he gave to us! 

They were both a delight to our hearts! They gave such honor to the Lord. God was answering our many prayers. We believe our lives are not ours.......but we belong to the almighty God of the universe.....that we are to bring honor to Him..... the best that we can while here on earth! Do we do that perfectly? No......but that is what we strive for. My sweet man and I made a huge commitment 30 some years ago to do God's will in our lives and with our family. We started to follow the Lord by staying in His Word. Life changed for us......for the good.....was it easy.....no.....it was hard...but it was right! That is all that mattered. We wanted to leave for our children a Godly heritage......one that would bring safety to our family....all those grandkids, great grands......and lots more that came after us. Our family verse was Unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127: 1. That was why we cared so much that Taylor married a man that feared the Lord. We have continued to ask them to not kiss and hold hands....except when we pray at the meals.....(that is precious to see). We believe if they learn self control now, it will follow into their marriage. 

When we were all out in Idaho Tyler came to her Daddy and said that he was serious and wanted to spend his whole life with Tay. We gave our blessing. Life began to change for all of us......especially for our daughter Taylor and Tyler. A few months later he came and said that he would like to buy her a ring....we said yes. He said that he would be looking we prayed with him. 

She said Yes!!!!! Taylor was engaged last June. She had no idea that her sweet man was going to propose. He invited his family, our family and some friends to be there. Tyler wanted to propose to her where he had told her the first time he loved her on our farm. He took her out for dinner and that gave us time to fix the area up. 

We had CHRISTmas lights, a wicker couch and candles in the summer kitchen. Tressa her sister was going to take pic's so she hid in a barrel, Tyler's parents Tracey and Terry and sister who also is Taylor, myself and Saul (who will be a grooms man) were all hiding behind our truck.....some were in a horse trailer....and sweet man was in the barn in charge of the lights when they walked by. Well plans changed.......Tyler was so nervous he knew he would not be able to even get up the steps to the summer kitchen.....so he proposed right in front of the truck! He said his legs started shaking......we giggled after......it was special.....we all got to witness the engagement. It was such a joy as families to celebrate with our kids! 

She was speechless.......and precious! She had nooooo idea this was happening! She turned.....and there we all were. God is so good ladies!!!!

One of her desires was to have her finger nails done pretty before they got engaged. Just one of those girl things. Well the night before the engagement Taylor and Tressa went up to be with Tyler's parents. Tracey and the girls were all going through Pinterest. Tracy said.....which is so her and would not throw Tay off, commented on how her nails were looking bad and for fun they should go and get there nails done. Sooooo all the girls went to the salon the next day! Just perfect.....Taylor's hands would be pretty for her ring.....just like she wanted.

To close the evening we all gathered hand in hand in prayer and invited the Lord to watch over them and to bless them until they marry and after! All her life we prayed for "him" and for his Momma and Daddy... as they were raising him. God has been so good to us! We prayed and He made a way for us. We can trust Him with our children......even when it doesn't look like what we think it should look like......He loves them more then we do. I remind myself often!!!. 

WE are so having fun.....planning a wedding for October 18th. I am having emotions going on in my heart that I never knew I could have. I have had children for so long......giving up Taylor will be difficult for me. I am a Momma through and through.....by my heart is also joyful that my precious girl has a man who will protect and love her. How can I not want that for her!!!!! I think I am ready to adopt!!!!! Smile!

I also want to say.....the way that we have chosen to raise our girls was our decision. We don't put that on anyone else. The Bible says we will all give an account. That means.....Phil and myself. We believe the Lord lead us in this way. 

I will continue my journaling about the dress...... of this very special time in our families life tomorrow. 

Hugs from the farm,

Linda

Hugs to your Day!

Hello sweet ladies from the farm! 

It sure has been a busy summer for myself and family! Everyday is an adventure. We have the soybeans planted....and now we need rain.......like real bad! We keep praying for the soybeans though......God has always met our needs and we can trust Him. I din't want to ask the Lord for rain because everyone was still bringing in their wheat.......they are finished it looks like......time for rain!!!!!!!

We have had lots of babies hatched here on the farm........love the Momma duck and her little ones. I thought we had 10, but we only have 9. My counting was off......but they are pitch black and they can move so so fast while I count! 

Went with my sweet farmer to get some straw yesterday.........I love it when we can spread more on the garden. 

The garden is doing well. Our tomatoes are still growing.......we should have a bountiful crop..... which will be canned for soups during the winter months!!!! Last night we spread more straw down......I always think it looks so pretty! 

Well I will be doing a lot of different things today......but one thing for sure....... I will be in my garden laying more straw! 

Hope you have a sweet day.......I am praying for you!

Linda

Memories in the making!!!!!

Hello sweet ladies,

Yesterday my sweet man and I went to Hutch......a town about 30 miles from our farm. I had a follower on my fb that sent me a pic of this chicken fan......her sweet man bought her! I knew we were going to have to go in town to get insurance on the crops and thought we would stop by and see if they had one. They had just one!!!!!! I was so so excited! I have named her Miss Fanny Hen......she is adorable don't you think? 

Ater we got our stuff done we stopped by my sweet friends (family) home to visit Rosa, Marian and Grandma Yoder........Grandma was sober this time......she is failing......I don't want to lose her. She is so so dear to me. She has found comfort in her baby doll. It is just a doll......but she talks so sweet to it.....and touches it's face and presses the clothes with her little hands. Marian my sweet friend is the daughter of Grandma......she is fighting with all her might cancer. We had such a sweet time of holding hands.....weeping and praying to our God for help. Praying for our children.....for her healing......it was a sweet time even though we don't know what the days will have in front of us. Marian was tired and Rosa was sick with the flu......but God gave us a sweet sweet fellowship. Grandma needed fed......I got to feed her....it took me back to my Momma and when I would feed her. I tucked some memories in my heart last night.....to go back to. 

Do you have a memory of days like this? I would love to hear them. Life is hard......but God always with us and will give us Joy in the midst of very difficult times. 

Hugs to your day and may God bless you so much!!!!!

Linda

A Review for Fresh From the Farmstand Gooseberry Patch Cookbook!

Hello sweet ladies!

Here is our little gathering place that we have been doing a lot of chatting and eating at. We have been enjoying it so much! We will be building another one that is going to be attached to this one, so when our whole family is here we will have more room. It will be nice for the college kids also! 

Gooseberry Patch was asking if anyone wanted to do a cookbook review. I said.......yes!!!!!! One of my very favorite cookbooks is called...... 

Fresh from the Farmstand

this can be bought here if you click on the name. It is also in Kindle form. This cookbook is filled with so many wonderful and using fresh ingredients. If you have produce from your garden or when you buy at the farmer's markets you will have good meals for your family and friends. 

Summer is a favorite time for using all the veggies and fruits from my garden. Right now we are getting cucumber, rhubarb, basil and the tomatoes are right around the corner. We have also been buying blueberries, raspberries and blackberries at the store.....they have had really good prices at ours.........perfect for summer time baking.

Raspberry Yogurt Muffins

A family favorite recipe of ours is the recipe for Raspberry Yogurt Muffins. Every bite has a nummy juicy raspberry tart taste. They are easy and a fast recipe to make up for breakfast or snack for later in the day! You won't make it just once!

you will need, 

quick-cooking oats

brown sugar

vanilla yogurt

wil ( I use melted butter)

egg

unbleached flour

salt

soda

baking powder

Raspberry Yogurt Muffin Recipe

1 c. quick-cooking oats, uncooked

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

1 c. vanilla or plain yogurt

1/2 c. oil (melted butter)

1 egg, beaten

1 c. unbleached flour

1 t. salt

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1 cup raspberries, I use 2 cups.

In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, yogurt, oil and egg. Beat well; let stand 5 minutes. Sift in flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Before stirring, sprinkle fruit over flour mixture. Stir to blend. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 2 dozen. 

The cookbook has wonderful other summer recipes.

There is a Canning and Freeing section....love it!!!!!
Easy Mustard Pickles pg181
Freezer Slaw pg109
Freezer Southwestern Salsa pg 163
Freezer Sweet Corn pg 93
Freezer Tomato Sals pg 162
No-Cook Strawberry Spread pg 114

 We are waiting for corn and tomatoes.......to try this recipe.

Summer Corn Salad

6 ears sweet corn. kernels sliced off

3 tomatoes, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 red onion, chopped

Optional: 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

Optional: 6 green onions, chopped

1/2 c cider vinegar

1/3 c. oil

1/2 c. sugar

1 t. salt, or more to taste

1 t. pepper, or more to taste

Mix corn kernels and remaining vegetables together in a bowl. In a sparate bowl, combine remaining ingredients: whisk until well mixed. Add dressing to vegetables; toss to mix. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Serves 6. 

At the bottom of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks pages they have illustration and little helpful hints.......and crafty ideas. Here is one......if you're husking heaps of sweet corn, here's an easy tip! Pull on a pair of rubber gloves, then give each cob a quick twist between gloved hands. The cornsilk will rub right off. 

Our Vitaliy, just got a job on a farm not far from his home working  on counting and packaging corn in boxes to be taken to stores and roadside stands. He is loving it. He gets up at 5 to beat the heat and is done at 12. He is growing up to be a very precious young man. He has goals for his life here in America.....he loves the Lord..... love watching his story unfold. 

Hope you enjoyed the review for the Fresh from the Farmstand Cookbook. It is a good one......of course.....they always have something good from Gooseberry Patch don't they?

If you would like to go to their fb and like it is HERE

There Blog posts are HERE!

Sign up for their Circle of Friends HERE

Hugs from our farm.......and God bless your day! 

Oh, almost forgot......welcome to all the new Followers.....you have been noticed......by me!!!!!!!

Linda

Busy On The Farm!

Hello sweet ladies, 

Trust your 4th was a blessing!

I know that I have not been able to post as much as I usually have done in the past. Life has been so busy here at Prairie Flower Farm. Mornings with my Lord.....prayer time.......run out to the garden and get things done there......chores to all the little chicks and big "Chicks"......building things.....I am so enjoying carpentry! I have been building some of my own things.....can't believe I am actually using a circular saw.

I built this little cage to go around Momma Duck who is sitting on 11 eggs. I built a simple frame and then covered it with mesh wire. It isn't anything fancy, but it will protect the Momma and her little ones from our farm cats. It can see things in my mind where I had never done that with building. Even have a little grasp on how to make what I would like in my mind now!!!!!! Do any of you do any carpentry? I can't wait to try building a greenhouse! 

Jeremiah has been a real help on the farm. It's like a place of refuge for him. He is one of our adopted son's from Sterling College. He loves to come and work on the farm and has been a real blessing. We all built a deck by the fence that Vitaliy and I built. It is so nice to go out in the evening and just sit as a family! 

My two momma guineas are sitting on their nest...... together some times at different times. There is one egg that has hatched....but I haven't seen the babies yet. I can hear peeping.....but I have not been able to see the baby yet. I can be patient!

My little pumpkins are growing! Love watching them as they get bigger. If you keep them watered they really grow fast! I will use a  panty hose to hold up each pumpkin as it grows. 

Look at the little ducklings! I made her the little house and it is going to protect them perfect. She either had them last night or this morning sometime. They are absolutely adorable!!!! I so love them! They are making the farm a very happy place. 

Hope all is well with you!!!!!! It looks like we have a lot of new followers!!!!!!! Thank you for being a part of Prairie Flower Farm.......you have definitely been noticed! 

How is your summer going? Busy?

Hugs from the farm,

Linda