Five Minute Friday Writing Prompt—Cold

Timer on…

Great word for this weeks writing prompt. Cold. Frigid temperatures have hovered all week over our Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Single digits sting our cheeks in the morning while feeding the livestock. Highs hardly reach into the mid 20’s.

Little wonder ‘cold’ is used to describe our hard hearts. A cold heart bites and stings just like cold temperatures. But unlike the weather, God in his grace and mercy can melt our cold hearts. We have only to ask Him, believe He will and follow His guidance.

For just as warm temperatures slowly drive out the cold, so too our cold hearts will warm with God’s love and mercy. We but need listen and heed His voice.

How badly do you want your cold heart changed and warmed by God?

“Come now let us reason together,” says The Lord. Isaiah 1:18

Timer off…

Are You Ready for It? When is It Coming?

These questions wafted around the grocery store yesterday as I was filling my list. Folk on phones or talking among themselves wondered out-loud.

“It’s winter. What do you expect?” Our old neighbor would say. Very little frazzled that wonderful old woman. She lived through lots of winters.

It is snow. Apparently a BIG snow. Radio stations and news headlines blasting warnings and predictions of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall for much of the East and South.

I do not mind weather forecasts. They help keep us informed of possible inclement weather. ‘Be Prepared’ is a good motto to live by (Thank You, Boy Scouts).

However, I do object to trying to be made fearful or worse, panic. Weather forecasts for small or large farmers is important and more often than not dictate our days work. So when the sky looks threatening and storms are in the forecast we do pay attention. We prepare. We will not worry. It is wintertime.

Plenty of hay and straw on hand.
We squeezed the tractor inside. Giving us one less machine to clear of snow.
Plow attached and ready (a little hard to see).
Full bags of horse, cattle and chicken feed.
The woodpile will stay dry!
Extra bedding on outside of barn warms the barn and provides bedding for cattle. When horses are stalled on bitter nights the cattle will bed down here.
Dukes frosty whiskers! A portent of what’s to come?
Rejoice! Spring will come!

Black belt Fisherman

Is there such thing? In our circle of life, yes, yes indeed.

Fishing has been a lifetime passion for our sons. It fit the bill years ago when they were young, when little money was floating around for exciting excursions for a family of seven on one income.

However, we had friends whose ponds were brimming with fish, and bubbly, cool mountain streams that called their names and won their hearts forever to fishing. Only equipment needed: one fishing pole per son. That was attainable.

It has been said what goes around comes around. Fishing has come full circle. Our grandsons fish like pros. I love going to “wet a line” with them. I am the main cheerleader and photographer. The fish call them from our pond and a generous neighbor who allows them access on his ponds as well.

As soon as their feet touch the ground here, they are off to the ponds. Only a whistle brings them in.

Their fathers have taught them well.

A great catch while fishing with his Uncle!
Passing the passion on.
They learned from a young age the magic and joy fishing offers.
They know every fish they catch.
A good Uncle teaching.
Not big, but fun catch from neighbors pond.
Any weather is good weather for the black belt fisherman.
Fishing goes everywhere.
Nice catch from neighbors pond!
Every fisherman has a great fish story! That’s one huge cat! Our neighbor grows them big!
They catch and clean. Pop-pop fries them. Eat local.
Black belt fisherman are always prepared.

Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.

Thanksgiving Fun

Keeping active children engaged during family gatherings can be challenging at times. I am grateful for the fun, uncomplicated activities found on various child-related internet sites.

Thanks to my daughter for this fun, easy activity for Thanksgiving. I apologize for not knowing to whom the credit goes. But thank you!

We cut out ‘feathers’ from colored paper, put them all about the house. The children ‘found’ them and taped them to the drawn Turkey we taped on the wall. It was fun, but did not last very long.

My daughter drew the Turkey on paper and taped to the wall.
‘Feathers’ were strewn all about the house.
Helping the children tape on feathers.
Lots of fun finding the feathers.
Our turkey was feathered quickly!
It did not take long, but was fun!

Do you have special holiday activities? Please share!