It Is The Lord's Day.......Let's Have A Tea Party!!!!!!!!!

Hello sweet ladies,

"Tea Party Across the Miles" December 11-18th

Now that I am home, I thought of having a little fun........ this is open to anyone!!!! I know it is a busy time for so many, but for some this might be something you would like to do. Here goes...... I thought that we could have a "Tea Party Across The Miles", all you have to do is buy or make a simple CHRISTmas card, put a tea bag in the card, write a note and send it to a sweet lady, that I will match you up with. Easy! Whether you have a blog or not, whether you live overseas or in the states (if you don't want over seas, tell me)......... you are welcome to join in!!! 

1. Please first leave a comment here on this post or on the email if you subscribe to me, that you are joining in on the "Tea Party".

2. Then email me at prairieflowerfarm@gmail.com, 

put TEA PARTY in the subject line please and put in your addy,  so I can match you up!

 Be sure to write a little note in the card before sending it off!

I hope this will bring us all a little closer being a Prairie Flower Farm family! It sure has been happening on the blog and fb......... that has been  precious!

Sooooooo let the Tea Party begin!

Last night Watched the Nativity Story as I was finishing up sewing some "Winter" Snowmen Ornies. It was relaxing and comfy warm in our farmhouse. Bitter cold outside. All the animals were all snug in their straw covered places. 

My pullets (young hens), that were hatched last year are starting to lay little tiny pullet eggs. It really is amazing how tiny they start out to be as they start to lay eggs. Thought you would like to see how sweet they look. The quarter shows how small!

I keep rolling the eggs every morning and evening, that are in the incubator all toasty and warm. Their due date is on Tuesday!!!!!!!! Can't believe I have been taking care of them for almost 21 days! They could come as soon as tomorrow........... possibly. 

Yesterday I had so much fun with my sweet friends, Grandma Yoder, Rosa and Marian. The girls and I kind of got in trouble with Grandma. She came from old order Amish. When we all sit around the table.........there can be a lot of laughter and we (mostly me) get the look from Grandma "Laughter is a good medicine"......right? Anyway I forgot my camera and that made me sad, because I didn't get any pic's for you all! Before we left I always go to hug and kiss  Grandma. She took my hand and kissed it. I have to say that melted my heart big time! She is not really my Grandmother, but she is close to it! I walked away with my cup full. Much needed in this world today. 

I thought I would share this recipe with you. It is so so nummy and I think you might like and use it as a CHRISTmas gift. I made it last year. It is delicious!!!!!!!

Crumb CHRISTmas Cinnamon Sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tea. cinnamon

1/4 c. walnuts ( I used about 1/2 cup)

Process in a food processor. Fill it in a cute little homespun jar cut a circle

to make a skirt for the jar........tie a ribbon.........put a sweet little snowflake

ornament on..........and make a tag with a message from your heart.

You can either make a loaf of homemade bread or go to your favorite

bakery and buy one. Set on a plate.........use clear cellophane and wrap

it up!!! Anyone would love this simple gift of love!

Hugs to you and may the Lord meet you today that He Has Made!!!!!!! Trust it will be a day of worship and rest for you.


Can't wait to see who comes to the party!!!!!!!!

Linda

Good Morning

Hello sweet ladies,

The farm was so beautiful this morning. The sun was coming up and the farm just glistened with a layer of frost on top of everything! 

The old leaves and weeds looked beautiful.

Thousands of little snow crystals...........

thought about how everyone was different! 

Piper enjoying the breeze!

Fixed a wire basket in the tree where Shelby Girlie Hen sleeps at night outside the kitchen window. It made me feel better. Lets see if she sleeps in it! 

Mr. Tom was showing off to all the Girlie Hens! Thought he looked so pretty.  I still have to carry a stick so he won't chase me. 

Momma Hen was waiting for all the little Banties to come 

opened the door and the farm cats were all staying quite warm snuggled in the straw!

They fly out of the little barn so I have to be careful when I

open the door. They don't care if I am standing there! One of my favorite things to do!!!!!!

Their favorite place to go is where there is a bush and some trees. The boys were cock a doodling! Music to this farm girl's ears!

Yesterday I went to see my Momma. As some of you know she is in a nursing home not very far from our farm. It never gets any easier to go. She can't talk and is in a wheel chair every day. When I came this time she smiled real big when she saw me. It was wonderful and I have it tucked in my heart for those days when she doesn't.  She has Alzheimer's, but I do think there is a part of her that knows me. 

My precious Miss Clarice...........I am thankful she loved her Father in Heaven.......now she is with her sweet man........she couldn't wait! 

After I saw her I went to go visit my Miss Clarice. I came to her room and her name tag was not on the door............my heart sank. I always knew that this day could come. I went to go see if she was in a different room, because that does happen. They told me that she had  passed away this week. When we open our heart and let people in..........it hurts real bad when they are gone. She was a very precious friend and I know that our relationship made her last days special for her and myself. 

I thought I would leave you again the gift that she gave me.........how to do little crocheted flowers. I have made tooooo many to count. A little gift, but it blessed me so. The other was her old apron.......so I could make a pattern from it. I will treasure it. God gave me so many blessings as I would sit under her teaching. She always had nuggets of truth to hand down.............she was my Titus 2 women......and a very special one at that.

Chain 8

Slip stitch into the first chain to make a circle.

Chain 4, (this is the beginning of my cluster stitch for one petal of flower), yarn over crochet hook 2 times, put hook into center of the circle and bring stitch through 2 loops and again through 2 loops, leaving 2 loops on hook. repeat one more time. This will leave you with 3 loops on your hook, pull stitch thru all 3 loops on hook. Chain 4 and slip stitch in circle.* We did it!!! Our first cluster is done. Oh, how I hope you can follow Clarice's and my instructions. Repeat starting at the beginning with chain 4, and make 5-6 more clusters. Tie threads off. Now that wasn't hard was it? Clarice used variegated thread. I just used the ecru. I can see these clustered on a baby blanket. I used to make cream flannel blankets with shell stitches around the edges. I always embroidered little flowers on the corner of the blanket. Hmmmmm I guess that is another lesson. 

Today I am invited to go and be with Grandma Yoder to eat lunch........another Titus lady........I will glean while I can. Do the same ladies.........adopt someone, if you don't have an older lady in your life........I did and I am so rich. They always take me to the place where Jesus is. Not fancy like.........simple life styles........lived out before me......gifts from the hand of God.

Enjoy your day........and if you have a nursing home close by......see who needs a friend.......if you have little ones.......take them with........our grandchildren hit the floor and are off to go see their friends when we go. It is a good thing to invest in their lives......even thought they are at the end..........it is for them......but you will see it will be for you also!

Love you precious ladies......asking the Lord to fill your cup.......with Himself. 

Linda

Home...........On the Farm! My morning with the Lord.

Dear Sweet Ladies!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for all the sweet encouraging notes and comments you have been leaving me. I have been so grateful this morning since I woke up. It was 8 in the morning!!!!!!!! Three hours more sleep than I usually get. Can't believe I slept that long..........my feet hit the floor and I was ready for what the Lord had for my day!!!!!!!!! Started out with the Word. 

Talked to the Lord about you! He loves it when we come on behalf of one another!!!!!!!! Listened to a sermon by Mark Driscoll on the CHRISTmas story when Mary traveled to Elizabeth. Luke 1:39-45. Oh my it was soooooo good.......but there were some tough things he talked about on abortion. I have a heart for those who have walked this. Some were told the same lies that were told to me. I chose to keep my baby, but others that I knew lived with the pain and hurt. The sermon was one of HOPE! If you have ever been touched by abortion, listen, I will be asking the Lord to heal. 

"At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth (Mary and Elizabeths wombs together). When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled (a lot of) with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the BABY (John) (Luke 1:15 "he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he was born), in my womb leaped for joy! Blessed is she who has believed (faith) that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!" Luke 1:38-45.

The sermon continued on........

Mary’s Song

 And Mary said:   “My soul glorifies the Lord
  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
   of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
 ⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
   holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him,
   from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
   he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
   but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
   but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
   remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever,
   just as he promised our ancestors.”
 ⁵⁶ Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Luke 1:46-56

I am have been renewed in my spirt this morning with the story of my Jesus and how two very blessed women were used in scripture...... the CHRISTmas story. As a woman who loves true woman fellowship..........I can only imagine what they both shared together for the remainder of the 3 monts. One word.........precious!

Jesus has come on a rescue mission......for the LOST......

I so want to sign up for what He is Doing!!!!!!!!

Any of you want to join me in your part of the world? 

As some of you know I was an unwed Momma.....I walked it.....not proud of it (but forgiven), the Lord has used it. What a precious Redeemer He is. I kept my child.........he was adopted by my sweet man, Jason (our son) and I are grateful. As you know I am serving with my family, out in the world (college) everyday. I see the lies lived out, the girls who are being devastated by not believing truth (just like I did). My precious grand daughter goes to school where a 12 year old girl (in her school) is going to have baby. I can hardly wrap my brain around that. It breaks this Grammies heart. This little girl was told a lie........praying for her with my granddaughter.

Hugs precious ladies.......my first day Home has been wonderful!

Linda
P.S. If you do listen, let me know what you think!


Remember he is quite direct in his teaching!

Baking New York Cheesecake.......easier then I thought!

Hello Sweet ladies,

One more day and I am going to be Home........ getting ready for CHRISTmas. Can't wait. It will be so wonderful! I have so many things I want to do......I will have to definitely give my day and time to the Lord. I am a little on the excited side! 

Today Tressa and I did some catering baking. We had to make 8- 12" New York Raspberry Cheesecakes for 120 people. You can find the recipe on my Pinterest College. It tastes wonderful! The only thing we changed in the recipe, was to make a raspberry syrup and drizzled it on the top. Using a toothpick we swirled it around the cheesecake before baking. 

Hung a little jar with a candle on an old cupboard tonight. Thought it turned out sweet. I will be doing a lot more decorating and sharing with you on how to make some of the things. 

Checked the baby chick eggs tonight again. They are really filling up the egg! They will be hatching in less than a week. It will be so much fun to be able to watch them hatch all day long and not have to be gone!

Have you been doing any decorating over at your blog? Please let us know and we will come and see!

Hugs, Linda

P.S. I just received an email from Delainey's Grammy. It is so sad.

Here is what Sue said,

NO SURGERY TOMORROW OR EVER!!

 

Pulmonary catheter indicated surgery would not help her heart or the pressure in her lungs.  Waited too long??!!

 

Christy is very upset, please pray for her.

 

I'm numb.  We wanted to help her all we could and this is very frustrating. 

 

I appreciate all your support in prayer and in loving kindness.

Sue

 

Please ladies continue to pray for this precious family and every other family across the world that are suffering so! Life is so fragile.  Made my heart so sad. Thank you ladies for being there for Tim, her daddy, Christy, her Mommy, John, her Poppa and Sue her Grammy! You are so precious!

Let's pray........Father, you are the one that we can run to when our hearts feel like they are breaking in two. We are so thankful that you understand our sorrows. We ask in the Name of Jesus, that you bind up this precious families broken hearts. That you would give them the strength for the days ahead, that they would keep their eyes on you and not what is going on around them. Precious Father.......we entrust this family to your care...and know that you will meet their every need. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen

We Have Winners!!!!!!!

Hello sweet ladies,

As soon as I got home I used Random. org. Couldn't wait to see what ladies won the ornaments. 

Here is who won 

First!

First Indeed

Second

Wendy@Ravenwood Whimzies

Third

Susan 

Crafty Biker

Fourth

Francie

Thank you sooooo much everyone who signed up for the giveaway. I loved reading every one of your comments. You had some wonderful ideas of what you are doing for the CHRISTmas season in reaching out! I also enjoy seeing all who come!!!!!!  I thank my God so much for you precious ladies that continue to encourage me along on my blog! Truly......... you are so precious to me. 


I will try to get ahold of each of you, but if you see I haven't please contact me by using my email on my sidebar.

Found this on Pinterest......it is in my

CHRISTmas Ideas

Isn't it the sweetest gift idea? 

I have two more days at the bakery and then I am going to be home! I have tons of ideas, that I will be able to get finished before CHRISTmas! I will be able to share with!!!!!!!!! Can't wait! 

Hugs and thank you again for being a party of the party!!!!!

Linda     

This is little Delainey.........precious!

P.S. I have a follower who is a precious Grammy. She has a granddaughter that is needing our prays. She is going to be admitted to the hospital for preparation for surgery on Dec 7th. Surgery will be on Friday the 9th. Delainey will be having heart surgery to correct two birth defects. Please ask the Lord to do what only He can do. That He would be with the Doctors, Nurses and her family during this time of uncertainty. Delainey has Trisomy 18. She is 1 years old. Tim (Daddy), Christy (Mommy), John (her Poppa) and Susan her (Grammy). Thank you so much for praying ladies. It will be so appreciated by her family. 

SONday and a Giveaway!

Hello precious sweet ladies,

I have been working on a little something that I hope will help with your gift giving. It does not cost very much to make, just need some of your scraps that you need to use. I painted this little picture of baby Jesus along time ago. Thought I would make it into a e-pattern in case some of you would like to make as a simple gift. 


This CHRISTmas some families are really needing a touch from us!!!!!!! They don't have jobs and some are losing their homes. They are going through really hard times and the Lord wants to use His children to make a difference to those He puts in our path. We can take groceries, put some money toward a bill that they can't pay....buy a meal for the person that is living on the streets. There are lots of ideas out there that we can do, but we need to do something.  You could make this ornament and give it out this season! A message that needs to be known. Remember when I said to be prepared with something in your purse?  You could give this to someone you don't even know? The CHRISTmas season is a wonderful time to reach out. 

Tressa helped me make up an e-pattern in PDF form. It is real easy to make, even a beginner could make it. I have step by step picture tutorial instructions. All you need is scrap fabrics and some batting. A printer to print off the artwork and you are set.


If you would like to purchase the e-pattern for $2.00, click here.

He Came As A Baby Ornament e-Pattern

We can make a difference in little ways precious ladies! I heard a pastor preach this last week on..........The SOWER.......scattering seeds (Mark 4) ......acts of kindness......where ever you go... living the LOVE of Jesus. Sharing who Jesus is, as you go about your day.  It really can be a fun thing to do!


I am going to make some for my purse and leave them around. How about a restaurant, ladies bathroom : ), give to a store clerk! Don't be afraid, we have the answer! If you have some ideas, please let us know. I will let you know how it goes for me! I am getting excited about this.

Saw this on Pinterest the other day.........

Dear Jesus, sometimes

I'm afraid of letting you

have complete control of 

my life. 

Show me how to be a

"yes" kind of girl,

like Mary was, and use

me to bring you to 

others....... Amen!

I am signing up to be a "Yes Girl".......trusting Him to accomplish what He wants in my life. There is nooooo way I can do it on my own! I have tried......it doesn't work.

Now for some FUN! 

We are going to have a Prairie Flower Farm Giveaway......in celebration that I will

be coming Home for 3 weeks after this next week!!!!!!!!! How precious of the Lord to let me be Home at my favorite
time of year! I am very thankful! 

I am going to make

Four "He Came As A Baby Ornaments" as a giveaway 
to 4 ladies........


starting

today until Tuesday December 6th at noon

I can't wait to see who comes to the party!

Vote 1

 Leave a comment on this post. Anything

you want to say! Now isn't that easy?

Vote 2
Go to my facebook and tell me what you would
like for CHRISTmas! Please come back and tell me that you did please.

Hugs from my farm to your Home!

May the Lord Bless You Today!

Linda

They Came.....

Hello sweet ladies,

When we came home from work we ran out to the Refuge Cabin to finish it up before the girls came. Set the table......

with name tag on each plate..........

I tied a simple homespun ribbon around the pint size mason jar and placed a 1/2 pint jar with a tea light on the inside. Then I placed a plastic glittery snowflake in the front. When the candle light shown through it was so pretty.

In the center of the table I placed a hurricane lamp with some evergreen garland around the base and some white snowflakes. Real simple!

Turned the lights to the little tree........

and to my star box......like how it turned out!

Put my Merry CHRISTmas on the wreath and hung on the old window frame. One thing........wish CHRIST was all in caps! Smile!

 Lit all the candles around the little room........I wish I could have captured the lighting for you. It was so pretty!!!!!!!

Look who looked in the window while we were working! The other day she wanted to come in to the cabin. Had to put a chair by the door so she wouldn't. She is not 7 months old.

My sweet man led us in prayer......he asked the Lord for 

protection over the girls lives, that He would

use the night to bless them......we could trust the evening with Him,

He loves them more than we do!!!!!!!

The menu:

Chicken Tortilla Soup and fried tortillas

Focaccia Bread for simple sandwiches

Lettuce, sliced tomatoes and greenpeppers.

Sliced Turkey

Whole wheat and regular crackers filled in a cute fat jar. 

Sour cream, cheddar cheese for soup and ranch dressing for sandwiches. 

Tressa made an Apple Pie. We placed the pie and the plates to the side, until they were ready to serve.

They came. We welcomed them to the Refuge Cabin...and

left them to have their party....with CHRISTmas music in the background.

They had fun and enjoyed the meal. One of the girls is a dorm

Mom, she wants to have her girls come......she will get back with me. Another party.......oh my, the Lord has started a good work! So glad He is letting us be a part of it!

You know, when I prayed all those years ago for so long for a place of Refuge?

I know He put that desire in my heart, not me. He had a work that He wanted to complete.......never ever thought it was going to be college kids! He is good, He always knows just what we need and when we need it! 

Thank you sweet ladies for being a part of this little dinner with me on facebook! It was so fun to tell you the things that were going on!

It is really cold and the ice is here. The lights keep flickering. Pray we don't run out of electricity. It will be cold!

Hugs to your weekend, 

Linda