PYO is doing well - busy, very busy! but doing well. I'm walking (using my pedometer) on average about 15,000 steps a day. Somedays I top 20,000! Somedays it is only about 12-14,000.
Lots of berries.
And here is a funny! Near and dear to my heart that still misses having cows.
L has been working at the county fair this week in the 4-H area. She has experienced runaway steers, learned the difference between steers and cows and heifers (VBG!!!), enjoyed helping with pigs (more exciting than sheep :) and been a bit bored by the sheep. Maybe some of the sheep should have escaped and she would have had more fun with them. She now says she'd rather like living next door to animals! While she is not big on snakes (tends to scream), she did rescue and nurse a very sick baby bird (maybe an oriole) once. It died. But then it was missing some vital parts so it really wasn't due to lack of effort on her part.
C is happily settled at FC for the semester and M is very busy "playing" dress-up as she works and shares her love of people's stories in the past. Mr. B is overloaded with things at the office and "relaxes" by coming home to work. I don't know how he does it.
Thank you. One never knows how one's comments will be received...and how do you cope with the "click-click" of the pedometer. Mine needs an off button!
The world of berries sounds awesome and like a lot of hard work! I mentally travel that much each day; my brain is tired at night. Now if I could just get my body to cooperate and go along.
Just a short update to say hello and to say I'm trying to take a few moments to catch up.
I think this is the best berry year ever. Mr. B is definitely figuring out the soil etc combinations. PYO is also really becoming the "thing" and it is neat to see little kids enjoy the "fruits"!
I would consider you one of "my people" too, sister. Sometimes I wish we were closer for more porch sits and visits. You are precious to me. Thanks for being there. I'd love some berries ... glad you're having a good year. :)
I thought of you today while I was weeding. :)
I was pondering that the biggest weeds can be the easiest to pull out and often we miss the little ones. I related this to our sins. When we are converted we often put off the 'big' sins (drinking, carousing, etc, etc) and we sometimes miss the 'little' ones (anger, unkind words, etc)...I know I put off the 'big' sins and I challenged myself to look for hidden sins or 'little' things that I rationalized and weed them out!! Sometimes we forget that there really is no big and little when it comes to sin...
Isn't it interesting to note that God said "you shall know them by their fruits". If they are coming in strong, then you must be doing something right. Isn't it the same with our faith? If we are doing things right, our faith will be strong! Praise God!
Natalie, you know, I think we may have met. I spoke a couple of times for the lectures in your area while we were living in the States...? Best of all I like to think of your good friendship with my family (Raifs). If we are in your area, I will surely try to let you know so that we can perhaps collect a hug or two.
Life's the berries? GREAT! Too dry here. I am not posting anymore. Don't feel like sharing and being "dissed." Too much rejection makes one feel jaded and although I love the color I don't want that to define my demeanor.
Hi all. I just caught up with all the highlighted friends names. And now, ramblings related to my blog title topic:
I have, as is usual this time of year, been spending lots of time in the berry patch/field.
Last night, after picking a few blueberries in the very rapidly approaching dusk, I headed down the row and ended up stooping to pull some weeds. Large weeds called “pig weed” – I don’t remember the scientific name from my old college courses – were crowding several young blueberry bushes. Activities like weeding always bring spiritual “analogies” or parables into my mind and my thoughts begin to ramble. I came in and shared them with her.
Our average customer and even the “professional” growers who come to our place are amazed at how neat and beautifully maintained our berry patch is. Mr. Berry is amazing. He has a very high standard for excellence and a very low tolerance for messiness in the field. The customers and the plants reap the benefits of his perfectionism and I reap the compliments from the customers (though I do try to give due to him).
Yet even though others look at the field and says, “Wow! What a beautiful place with no weeds or trashiness.” Mr. Berry and I generally see what else needs to be done and do not see the beauty. We see the weeds waiting to be pulled, a post that needs to be straightened, branches growing quickly and soon needing to be pruned, a piece of paper on the ground, a driveway that needs attention etc. We tend not to notice accomplishments, but concentrate on the on-going work that still needs to be accomplished.
I think when Mr. B and I concentrate so fully on what remains to be done, we sometimes miss out on the joy of life God has given us. We miss out on the joy of accomplishment in hard work Not that we should sit back with “a little folding of the hands to rest” as in Prov. 6:10, but we should feel a sense of satisfaction and pleasure of fulfilling our purpose, as God made us, to work. I like Genesis 2:15 and I think of Mr. Berry when I read those words because I like to see him in his “garden” (or field, berry patch) cultivating away and doing his very best each time he puts his hand to the job.
Though he is often not satisfied with his work, I do admire it and him. I love that guy!
And some more rambles:
Pulling those pigweeds was pretty easy, even though they were big weeds (maybe 12 inches tall). Why? Because the soil was well-worked and irrigated. There were quite a few weeds because I’ve been in the raspberries and blackberries mostly and haven’t made it over to the blueberries much lately. While pulling I began to think about how weeds (sins) come into our lives in small ways as little things at first. Left alone, they can grow pretty big. But if our hearts are nurtured with love for God and have been well irrigated with the water of life, we will recognize the need to weed and the pulling of the weeds can be done. If the weed has been allowed to grow for a while there may be a bit of a hole in the space/time of one’s life until the soil is smoothed and raked, but the fruitful bush is not destroyed. The life, the bush will continue to grow and will bear good fruit for the Master yet.
Weeds given attention when they are small (think stopping a “little” interest before it becomes a big habit or time commitment) is easier than pulling big weeds. My mind is carrying this analogy along and along with other thoughts and examples, but I’ll let you think about it and stop now.
Very good points. It's easy to let the "weeds" grow until they are harder to pull, but "all things are possible with the Lord" and we can handle even those tall stubborn weeds with His help.
I too share in that line of thinking when I am working in my own little garden patch, I always want to share them or write them down...but that is not one of my talents for sure. Thanks for putting into words some of my feelings. It's amazing though as much work we put into our gardens the weeds are always there, much like our life - it's a never ending job.
As far as the Old Man goes, notice the name of it now- Historic Old Man in the Mountain. They show you the place where it used to be.
I looked into the Cog Railway - it's so expensive to go up there. And I was to much of a scaredy cat to go up driving in the car. You still owe me a New England visit. Bring some of the ladies and children along and call it a field trip.
Love you and miss you and your Berry Patch. Tim and April's wedding Anniversary always reminds me of a very special time at your house.
i too am humbled by choice! just to clarify, I wasn't trying to say that we don't have choices. To me, this is one of the ultimate examples of God's power, that he can lay a path that takes into account our ability to choose! hmmmm that might make for an interesting post... ;D
I've been reading about that on her blog...I'm baffled. Right now it overwhelms me, but maybe I can give it a shot. I joined the grocery game group on here to see if I could figure it all out!
How do others see you? What a question. I wonder if we can even answer it accurately because we still see ourselves as we see, not as others see us (as in James 1:24 – I quickly forget what I look like).
I think (don’t know, mind you), that others see me as relatively cheerful person with “no” problems/troubles. Yet I see myself as one who is trying very hard to press on and stay focused on my path home (to heaven), but slipping on a very muddy upward climb. I also see myself as one who does a woefully inadequate job of sharing my struggles with others.
Some struggles are easy for me to share: “woe, woe is me” at the gas pump for instance
Others, especially spiritual struggles or growth struggles, are very hard for me to verbalize and for me to ask for help. Though maybe I really do run on at the mouth too much and just burden others with my struggles; I sure hope not! If I do, I humbly ask your forgiveness and for your admonishment.
I think part of my struggle, if my self-observation is accurate, is because of being “bitten” in the past when I’ve asked for help. The world is pretty good at sensing weakness when someone down and out. Seems like a good time to give someone a kick and make sure they stay down. But that sounds pretty bitter in its own way. My responsibility is to accept with meekness, correction and admonishment as I examine my character.
Part of my struggle is also probably due to my upbringing – we Yankees are a pretty taciturn and independent lot – we don't want to let others see us unable to do our part. Always carry your share of the load and be responsible! To do otherwise is weakness of the highest degree. The idea of “bearing one another’s burdens” means that first one must share them. Very hard to do.
How do you share your struggles with others? How do you react when others share theirs with you?
I write about my struggles and sometimes post them here on pleo, but I am surprised at how often people seem to misunderstand what I am trying to say. I begin to think this miscommunication is a part of the human condition. You are a person I can share with. We just don't bump orbits often enough, huh? I love you so much.
Come then.... please!
Hmmm, struggles - sometimes I have a hard time hearing them because I always feel so inadequate to help. I do not mind being a listener and a helper, just not a fixer. I'll share pretty easily but I do not want to feel like a burden, so I usually try to keep it at a minimum. I have to say though when someone does share their struggles with something when I am sharing it help to encourage me that I am not in this walk alone.
I love you and miss you.
I'm glad that you all enjoyed the boys! :) They are still talking about using "Mr Craig's" tools :) Thanks! Your post has alot of good thoughts. I think that I'm pretty much an open book, if you want to know I'll tell you (but you'll probably have to ask). Although it's easier for me to share my struggles with my religous friends than it is my Christian friends. I think that the reason for this is that my Christian friends generally do not share their struggles with me and are often very busy. However my religous friends tend to be more open and have more time.
god bless you for bringing up such an important topic! so often, i think, we deceive ourselves into thinking others don't have the same struggles we do, and so try to hide our problems rather than asking for help/advice with them. life would be so much easier if we'd all realize that we all struggle and all need each other. i'm blessed to have at least two close friends who help me with this; we can ask each other how well we've been doing lately, and seek each other's advice. they're such a wonderful blessing!
yes,Mrs Berry, I too was raised to bite the bullet and deal with it//To have to tell someone my pain is hard to do..but i know if i pray I can count on him..
You can talk to me anytime, my friend; ) I do not usually approach people with my own problems for my own self, but I, more often, bring them up when trying to help someone else with theirs. I feel that if others see that we all have struggles, that it will be helpful. I think we all fail to confess our sins to one another. I don't think we should be so hesitant. I think we don't want anyone else to know we are weak. Once I have confessed something to others, I hope it is helpful, but also hope they don't think that is the whole of me. Just a part that I wish to improve. We are all growing, working servants. We should be more open with each other. I love you:)
Hi! Ive been meaning to email you guys lately but have not made time for it...no excuses. If its any consolation, Ive been thinking of you:). I still have your book and will get it back to you soon. I really want to finish it though so it might be a couple more weeks if thats okay. Maria and I found an apartment in the cities. The other one fell through but this one is just as nice but it only has 2 rooms. People can still come visit though. We are very excited for the move! Oh and the wedding I was in was last weekend. It was a lot of fun but kind of sad as there was no mention of God. It just focused on my friends. I wish they could know their Creator! Anyhow, I hope all is well on the farm. We sold so many strawberries this year! Im kind of glad its over. I miss you guys and will try to email you soon! Love.
I miss sharing your burdens! I know you are busy, and never stop. But when you do, you are a sweet hearted giving person, who helps others with their burdens! Thank-you for that! I see myself more as a listener, a comforter if one needs that. i get afraid to share too, I may share too much, as Shanda said, afraid of getting bitten. But, we must not let our fears keep from asking for help, so that others can receive the blessing of giving. Have a great week!
I think you are correct about how others see you. I often get intimidated by those who I deem more intelligent, more 'together', more________. I would guess that would be a surprise to many...I love to talk to my sisters in Christ and I'm so thankful for the older women who pave the way. This is a good blog!
On a different note, I had no idea you had thyroid issues. Ugh. No fun, huh? I'm also on hormone replacement for it...blood work says it is working...my body says...maybe?
I see you as a woman who puts her own desires aside to help others. One who is always there to help no matter what. I think it is because you help so many you are unable to ask for help yourself and that very well may be a weakness. I am here for you anytime you need me. You have been there for me! I love you for all you are even your weaknesses. You are an inspiration to all who meet you.
no, unfortunately we'll be a little farther away from Meghan. Where we are now is just a little farther down 70 from where she turns off to go over the river. But where we are moving to is actually the other direction on the other side of town. Still close enough for visits though! :)
So exciting! Would you believe we are waiting for two packages??? (Spoiled, aren't we?) Will certainly let you know. Things usually take about 10 business days to arrive.
You are so right, Natalie, in your comment on my blog. I'll work on that more! Compassion can be so difficult, and we don't cut our brothers and sisters enough slack sometimes. AND--as you said, we don't love ourselves enough to be able to extend that love outward to other parts of the body of Christ.
Hey, Natalie! Thanks for saying hello. I'm sorry I couldn't stop by on our way through. We hardly had any time in PA, and Ashley had to be back by a certain time last night, or maybe we could have stopped in for a while. :-/
Others see me as a strong person. Right this minute I am about to crumble and melt down. I do try to listen to other folks problems as often as I can because they seem to be easier to deal with than my own. No one can truly understand what another is going thru, but I do try. We are supposed to know our brothers and sisters in Christ and be aware of their struggles. We ALL have them.
Mrs. Bishop, I have to admit that I tend to keep everything inside me. I'm more than willing to hear fellow Christians share their struggles but when it comes to asking for spiritual help for myself I fail miserably. I think its my own pride that stops me for the most part and at other times just not wanting to seem whiny.
Hello, Beautiful Person. I am finally home and getting on track here. To confess, I am so distractable and scattered these days, and I pray for strength to focus. I am focusing on school this week. We're having a co-op with five families. I wish YOU were here to help me --such a great homeschool friend you've been to me and my children. I love you.
I've been cruising around pleo today and catching up, but have lots more to do - so many interesting blogs to read.
I really liked some videos I saw - thanks Amy! and want to use this space to remember someone special. I know that she was a light for many of us.
Thank you Smelser clan for sharing your wife, your mom, your mother-in-law, your grandmother, and now great grandmother with us. We miss her too.
Evaluations are "sort of" over. Had one post-meeting-counseling session today; the berry business starts soon, and now I'm cleaning off book shelves. The barn is full of curriculum and "stuff" - lots. I'm trying to sell here first and then I'll figure out how to post it places and get help posting it for sale.
We just got two Sun Gold (mini-tomatoes)today!! Yea! It will be a couple of weeks before we have some to share - I think they will be few and far between for a little longer. We're eating yellow and zucchine squash and bell peppers though. Will probably be bring some squash to share soon!
The girls were talking about your berry farm again :) and the secret barn room with a desk in it! We've been enjoying berry season around here. Blackberries (the small ones) are .60/lb in the street market! I haven't seen any as nice as yours, though :)
I just came across a note Marlene wrote to me a few years ago. What a gracious lady. I do miss her, but I so often thank God for the ways she lives on in her family and the glory to come.
Hey, Mrs. Bishop. The berry business makes me want to come spend the rest of my summer in beautiful Gettysburg. Oh, well, spending my time in beautiful Georgia will have to suffice.
I'm glad that you let M get chiropractic help as a teen. My dad let me go for a little while, but then he decided it was quackery and I had to stop. Consequently, my spine has been likened to a corkscrew. Dr. Mazza said it was amazing I functioned as well as I did, considering the condition my spine was in. It's too late for me to ever be "straight" because I was allowed to grow this way, so I just do the best I can. I'll need to get adjustments the rest of my life if I want to stay functional.
Mrs. Bishop, I think chocolate sauce on top of a peanutbutter shake would probably be pretty good - or if you crumbled up some Reeses cups on top with lots of whipped cream. I love Reeses cups.
I like the picture of you and Craig, thanks for your kind words. I love you sister, it has been a blessing to have you all in our lives. Our journey seems like yesterday in alot of ways, to me the memories are so fresh. Truly we become new creatures in Christ huh? Had I asked you in 1984 what life would be like for you in the year 2000 could have you imagined! Praise God, he has been so kind.
