Last Days

We are now safely deposited back in Michigan. The trip was neither too fun, nor was it horrible. We are now making some new adjustments, however, before we dive into what our future may hold and what our present looks like I wanted to share a few pictures from our last days in Georgia.

Kyle's last time moving cows

Goodbye Ladies

Some last minute work on the truck needed to be done.

Goodbye dear friends Wayne & Therese
 

Let the trailer loading begin (and yes everything fit in a 3 horse slant w/walk-in tack. Thanks to Heather. 

Dear friends Fud and Heather who had mercy on us and drove down to Georgia to help us move. We shall forever be grateful
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Goodbye Georgia. It's been fun. Mostly.

That's Life

Everyone knows sometimes things just don't go the way you plan it...ever. But, that's life.
The question I keep facing is, why? I've talked about this before. And yet here I sit again wondering, WHY?
Why did we come here? Why has this move been so hard? Why are we already leaving? Why can't we just settle into something and be content? The list goes on, but you get the idea.

Asking "why" seems to be a common theme in my life. I by nature am an analyzer, and by that I mean I truly want to understand where I've been, where I am, so I can wisely go where God wants me to go. I still don't know if I can totally grasp the enormity of this continuous life lesson. But, I decided (more for me than anything) I want to take a moment and jot down what I have learned thus far... This time.

#1 Why? Because we choose the path we take. This probably a given understanding for most people, but it is a relativity new concept I am coming to grips with. The fact of the matter is whether you follow Christ or not, we all have been given free will. And part of that free will (be it a blessing or a curse) is that we always have a choice. Now bear with me (and feel free to correct me) but, as I walk out my faith, and my life I have come to a rather startling realization. When I come to a fork in the road of life, sometimes the left fork is the right path, and then again the path to the right is o.k. too. **Now, please note I am talking about strictly literal life choices. Not choices that affect  my spiritual path. For me, that path is found only in Christ and laid out clearly and carefully in scripture.**

What I mean is, look at our situation. We faced a choice before coming down here. Do we take a regular job in Michigan that will provide for our needs? Or, do we try Ranching again and take a job that will provide for our needs?  Of course there was a bit more to it than than that, a whole host of pro's and con's was made and prayed over. We relied heavily on Gods guidance in the matter, but ultimately it was still our decision, one which I believe God blessed. But, I don't know if I think anymore that he would of not blessed us if we had chosen to stay in Michigan. Because, we did have options there too.
So, what I'm getting at (and this is where my theology gets iffy) What if God, who loves us so much, and we have the privilege of being his children, really isn't all that concerned about where we live or what we choose to do for a career, so long as we are still walking and growing in faith and love and light?

I mean, if you consider your relationship with your children, I know at least in my case that I don't care what my kids want to be when they grow up. Colton can be a paleontologist, bull rider, farmer, cowboy, janitor/super hero (yes that is his real list at the moment.) No, my greatest concern and hope is that he love God and that his life shines the light of Jesus' love wherever he goes.

So, in the grand scheme of things, and in answer to the many "why's", yes, I believe our decision to move to Georgia was within Gods will and was blessed by him. But, I also believe our choice to move back to Michigan (and so soon) is also within Gods will and blessing not because God really wants us to be gypsies, but because he loves us and wants to work in our lives and can do that no matter where we choose to live.

Which brings me to #2: No matter what choice we make or circumstance we face in life God can use it.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.


Even if it is our choice (by virtue of free will) God can and will use it, be it to teach us more about his nature or spiritual plan for our life or perhaps to touch the life of another.

There was more, but I forget at the moment, So, I'll just chew on this for a while.
Thanks for listening, and if anyone has any insights I would love to discuss them.
God bless and good night.

Changes

Well, its official. We are moving again, and yes I know what your thinking, Already?
As it turns out this place just isn't working for us. There are a plethora of reasons, though none in need of real discussion here.
What I can say, is we do not regret coming down here. We have learned a lot. Mostly personally. God is working on us more and more each day.
So, where to next? You guessed it, back to good old Michigan. For what? Well, Kyle has a job on the table  up there, the catch is they will not be ready for him right away, but we need to move before baby comes.
So, things that we could use some prayer on...
Safe travels,
A house (we sold ours)
Possibly temporary work until the job Kyle is after is ready.
We'll keep you posted, thanks in advance for your prayers and we'll see a lot of you soon :o)

Farmers Market Season

I really have been meaning to write this week. I really have. But, now that I am in the 34th week of my pregnancy, I find I'm ....well, exhausted.
Most days, I feel my greatest accomplishment is a load of laundry and a walk. I've actually had to give up our long morning walks to Gold Mine Mountain (3miles round trip) and even our walks to the ranch (1 3/4 miles round trip) in favor of a much shorter and less hilly hike to the gate at the cemetery pasture (about 1 mile round trip.) The longer walks get too hot too quickly and I am pretty much reduced to a puddle the rest of the day. Not to mention I tend to get and insane amount of (far too frequent) braxton hicks contractions.
Though, even the trek to the cemetery pasture has been taken away for a week or two as the guys have been weed spraying out there. So, I guess we shall be getting some of my long neglected house work done instead. I suppose you can't play all the time.

Among other things we have just been following our normal routine. One of our more fun days is Friday, also known as town day/farmers market day. Forsyth has a darling farmers market. I have come to adore the vendors there. Its slightly different from our local Farmers market in Allegan. One of those differences being the cheerful sellers calling out what they have. Example: One might call out as you walk past; "Peaches, peaches, three dolla a basket, get your cucumbers two dolla a basket, fresh okra. Ma'am you look like you need some green tomaters?" and all of it in a beautiful southern drawl. I know its not the same in print, so feel free to use your imagination.

One of our favorites is the watermelon man. He has a beautiful assortment of watermelon with sweet fleshes ranging in pale yellow and honey sweet to deep reds with a juicy sugar flavor.  He always welcome my boys, "Hey cowboys, you look like you need some water melon." And offers up a sample out of his cooler. Of course we never turn him down. After all it is 90+ degrees out. Our final stop is at the snow cone tent, where the boys each get a snow cone for the ride home.

Yesterday at the market we happened on a new fruit. Now call me crazy but I have never seen a real live fig let alone tasted one. But there they were, small delicate green/purple fruit, looking more like an onion to me than a fruit. Therese was very excited as these are some of her favorites. We bought a quart of the ripest ones and sure enough they they are amazing, scented of flowers and sweet delicate flavor almost like honey. Colton loved them, and even Kyle said he would eat them again, Alex is on the fence about them but, I think he'll come around in time.

Other than that things have been pretty quiet. We didn't really do anything for the 4th of July. With burn and fireworks bans in effect, not much was going on anyway. We did get a surprise thunder storm and the lightning display was fantastic.
 I sure hope everyone is able to get some relief from the heat, or cold (depending on where you are.) If there is one thing I have come to realize its that in July the weather is never ideal.