Laura Unearthed

Preface: I wrote this a couple of months ago, and hesitated to post it as I’m passed the feelings.   However , I know they’ll be back for me, and they might be assaulting you today or in the future.   So… here’s some truth from my heart to yours… “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us No one can recount to you; Were I to speak and tell of them, They would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5 The Lie: If cleaning this pile of clutter is my biggest accomplishment today, I need to reassess my value. The Lie:  Often, life’s told me that I wasn’t measuring up to my potential; and, what do I do when I need to recharge my guilt level in this respect?   I dwell on a poison of choice: I’m not working hard enough, not challenging myself, not producing enough, producing less than my best…   Sometimes,...

I vaguely remember when I first learned about "blog world."  I thought blogs were really strange.  Who has time for that? When I would happen across one or two to read, I thought it was extra strange how these people acted like friends in the comments with people they had never met.  Fast forward… You can only sit through (and promote) so many workshops emphasizing how important it is to tell the story of your farm before you act.  So, I entered “blog world.”   What a great experience it has been, so far! I love being a part of this edifying environment of smart, strong farm ladies.  I even got to meet one of our hosts, Laurie at Country Linked !  Here’s to the cynics: Blog World IS the Real World.  Real people, real stories, real relationships: here’s to more in 2016.  On to Christmas in the Country!  This is my first time participating, and I loved the experience. Lara at My Other More Exciting Life ...

Image courtesy of nuttakit at FreeDigitalPhotos.net The summer after my eighth grade year, my brother was preparing for his senior year.  One morning, he was headed off to help with an FFA contest, but a couple of people had just canceled, leaving the opportunity for me to fill their spots.  However, I was easily intimidated by the older kids.  I was still debating as he headed out the door, and said, “You can choose to be involved, or you can choose to not be involved.”   His words resonated with me, I hopped in the passenger side of his truck and had a great day. Today, our society seems to be on overdrive with activities.  Networking, serving, socializing, and honing skills are all very important to me.  Many times we say we can’t, when really we could, and we would better ourselves or others richly.  But other times...you just can’t. One of my unofficial personal mantras is “take advantage of all opportunities.”  However, hub...

Hey old friend, I miss you.   Remember the days in grade school when we made clover “jewelry” and “crowns”, played four-square, and begged our parents for sleep-overs?   Or when we spent hours outside of class making that video for our English class project?   Those were the days. Or maybe you’re my acquaintance.   My friend of a friend: maybe we were in a wedding together and shared a great time on the dance floor.   Maybe we shared one college class and really hit it off, but haven’t talked much since then. I see you on Facebook, now and then.   Enjoying a fall coffee or beautiful sunset.   Or… blowing off steam about the latest divisive issue. Transgender, abortion, which lives matter, the range of sexuality, gun control, common core, entitlement programs, presidential candidates… …and let’s not leave out: GMO, organic, animal welfare, factory farms, grass-fed, eat local, the environment. Do you want to know what gets und...

My teenage prayers easily embraced, “Lord, Your will be done.”   A blank canvas of life lay ahead of me with no commitments to jobs, husband, children, or mortgages.   Now, I still crave to draw near to the heart of God and His will… but sacrificing my time, security, comfort, and routine generates a greater grapple of the heart.   Our soldiers know better than anyone the likeness of Christ.   We may define Christianity as love.   That feels good, but we often fail to recognize the accompanying disclaimer: love in action requires sacrifice.   Hopefully, our soldiers influence you not to just reflect and appreciate this weekend, but inspire you to claim how God may be asking you to sacrifice. Occasionally, as youth leader, I write articles for our church newsletter, and this month, “coincidentally,” the idea of sacrifice in my newsletter article parallels my reflections this Memorial Day weekend. ..... Answering the call to sacrificial l...