Peace to You

We continue to work as strength and finances allow - not moved yet - no date set but we have peace. It is good on Buhlaland and at this time in our lives we see so many deprived of peace - not willing to lay down the stresses of daily life and striving toward goals which are not eternal. Peace HE gives to us - accept it and we'll all rejoice together for eternity. I'll back with my normal silliness over decorating choices, colors and textures - but for today I give you peace.

1 Peter 3:8
[ Suffering for Doing Good ] Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.
1 Peter 3:7-9 (in Context) 1 Peter 3 (Whole Chapter)

Cycle Starts Again

Yesterday was the moment - I didn't get to watch the butterfly emerge but early in the morning took a few pictures. Returned in about 2 hours and all that was left was husk of chrysalis - now there is another wonderful pollinating butterfly out there in Buhlaland - isn't that what we should call a miracle if were to name it?

It is good on Buhlaland to see how creatively the Creator populates our world with useful beauty.

The Boids and the Bees

Changed up header picture - it is from last year (2010) and the bounty of babies we had. Cold weather when they were born so they were very snuggly.

Mother's Day almost over - I was blessed with a couple of greeting cards for the day. Always feel odd about it - despite everyone saying "well you are a mother for the animals" sure isn't like having someone who is my child (by body or adoption). But this is the life I have been given and it is definitely an adventure! Been plenty of birds and insects around already -

I think I saw a lightning bug last night by the goat pens.

Still not even what we call our new normal around here - DH having some major health challenges with being off prednisone. We trust this will all straighten out soon

and be back to the limitations he had before. Definitely learning a new perspective of living each day as it comes. Sounds simplistic as I write it out - but it is our truth - we are all given one day at a time. As a child - our parents shape those days. I had a diligent and caring mother

- not an easy person but definitely one who worked hard to make our day to day lives good. We were brought up to be in church every time the doors opened . My life since then has taken far away from church, back and now in a different form of worship. We read scripture and then did church together for an hour today - we were listening to hymns and praise music on youtube (it isn't all weird stuff on youtube!). Enough about us -

definitely warm spring here in North Texas - and that makes it good on Buhlaland.

Hope y'all look at the honeysuckle closely - a tiny hummingbird in the upper right corner of the picture - it was frantically trying to taste every blossom!

Visitors

We had visitors last night - almost sundown and I was near the west end of our small front pasture. In a large, mostly dead (from Princess Bride movie - great line by Billy Crystal) oak tree there were literally dozens of small birds. Zoom lens and a little patience - beautiful guests were cedar waxwings (according to birding guides online). We don't get many people guests - been isolated too much too long apparently. So these bird visitors were very welcome - I took lots of pictures and walked around admiring the handiwork of our Creator - I am positive I couldn't have designed or even imagined cedar waxwings - great job. It was colorful and fun here on Buhlaland last

night. That is all good.

To those of you who are Mom's - early Happy Mother's Day -

Childhood Cancer Easy way to Help

I heard about an extremely worthy cause from my dear friends the Skees on Sarah's family blog - I've taken some of what Sarah had posted to explain. "Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation is working closely with scientists, researchers and doctors who are pioneers in the pediatric cancer field, who are on the forefront of bringing many alternative therapies into clinic which could prolong the lives of children diagnosed with Neuroblastoma until a cure is funded. Right now only 30% of children diagnosed with Neuroblastoma will survive, but because it is an "orphan" cancer, research funding is limited as pharmaceutical companies do not see the efforts as profitable. Recognizing that children should not be viewed as a profit, but, rather, our investment, Arms Wide Open raises money for alternative therapies and actual treatments these children so desparately need in order to survive."

Please go to the Website vote often - Neuroblastoma was the disease which took the life of my dear little friend Ellie
Received the larger format and posted it - beautiful girl with such grace and sensitivity and silliness all wrapped up in one.
Am working on getting a larger picture of Ellie - but wanted to get this post up before I wasted time. Time is a luxury children with cancers do not have!
Closing with one of Ellie's favorite songs



It is good on Buhlaland - a few tears over looking back at Ellie's journey and sincere hopes no more children will be taken over the rainbow so soon.

Sun Rise

I promise I didn't photoshop or adobeshop or stopnshop this picture - straight outta camera photo of sunrise this past week. Makes a person glad she dragged her entirely inordinately tired self out of bed and opened eyes to God's glory. I am not blogging much - sometimes not even leaving comments on the blogs I read. Must be in one of those learning seasons - where keeping my mouth shut (or keyboard quiet) benefits my brain and soul. Life continues a blessed and confusing path through Buhlaland - DH still doing too much and working hard (also known as standard operating procedure). I am still enjoying my part time job. Goats are growing up fast and I'm unwilling to get off the dime and sell some of them - too many right now for our pasture. Keep hoping some of the people we know and love will actually buy places in the country and we can place our goats with trustworthy people. Listening right now to iPod music playlist called Praise and Worship -- Amy Grant's older cd of hymns - loving the glory of voices, instruments and words.
Hope to do some cooking this weekend - meatloaf meal for DH's father's day. Staying cool by getting up before the sun and staying in shade or air conditioning as much as possible.
Things are good here on Buhlaland - especially when we rise up early in the morning

unexpected beauty

Our neighbor has a planter made from a homemade wheelbarrow which doesn't wheel anymore.

How amazing are those flowers? Had to share - hard for some people to believe cactus are such bright beauties - for at least a short time in the spring. Isn't it great - even the prickliest, least cuddly of creations are given a time to be beautiful? - to make us stop and say - WOW. Hope you have some WOW moments this week. We are doing well on Buhlaland - medical treatments continue for DH and some side effects but so far - it is GOOD on Buhlaland.

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.
~John Muir~

Texas Wildflowers

Luke 12: 22-33
And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. "For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
"Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!
"And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span?
"If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?
"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
"But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!
And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying.
"For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things.
"But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.
"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "



From a distance - most wildflowers are pretty but until you look closely - you could miss delicate perfection.

State flower of Texas - the bluebonnet - often seen with Texas Paintbrush. Individually the flowers are beauty but combined alongside a country road - a colorful spring palette.

Why worry - on Buhlaland we have a few wildflowers and God's loving care - it is good.

Spring is sprunging!

Just as spring follows winter (at LONG last) we are seeing some improvement in the health situation - the pneumonia monster is apparently being beaten into submission by antibiotics.
Thanks for the prayers and concern -



Isaiah 40: 31
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

We could add - on Buhlaland those who hope in the Lord are lifted up by the prayers of believers and fragrance of springtime. It is good - and we are enjoying each sign of returning to our new normal.

I have tried to be too cutesy I think in recent posts - my husband has a serious lung condition and he is the one with pneumonia - thank goodness not me or both of us. Thank you so much for your caring and concern - he is mending slowly.

Sure signs of spring

Wild plum blossoms - so fragrant you can smell them a football field length away.












Attidude develops in sweet little goat kids - they'll give the photographer a big razzberry!


















Grass is much greener over the septic leach field - and lovely little deer check out the tender grasses available.

Hyacinths - blooming right after a spring rain - no fragrance quite like it.

Even the silliest kid looks almost wise and contemplative in his sleep. Worn out by the excitement of just being alive on a spring day.

Clouds appear on the western horizon - sometimes bringing rain and sometimes just thunder and dramatic skies.

It is springtime on Buhlaland - a time when we are reminded of our Creator through His creations - so until we get to Fly Away

- we are able to enjoy spring and it is good on Buhlaland.

Birds and the Bees - no not that talk!

Cheating here - the bee picture was taken April, 2009 - no active bees yet but I needed at least one bee picture to do with the oh so innovative (or not)blog post title.







During a walk down to our front gate this morning with camera slung around my neck.
Saw these two little twitters hanging off an oak tree's bare branches - took several tries to catch a picture. Much jumping back and forth on branches and total unwillingness to stay still long enough for decent focus - one discovery about birds and bees - neither really gives a hoot (no owl pictures here) about cooperating with people.

















In a heavily budded up tree - two birds not of a feather were sitting together. Robin apparently didn't realize tree was already claimed so sat there for quite some time before moving along.

Took separate pictures just in case they both flew off at same time - but apparently me being on the other side of a fence and using zoom feature of camera didn't bother the birds as much as being close upset little ones. I'd be using species names - but other than the robin I haven't a clue. Like art appreciation - I may not understand the intricacies but I know what I like - and on a spring Sunday morning walk - I truly appreciate the variety and beauty our Creator made in our world.

Wondering why

Here on Buhlaland - we are aware of our blessings, express our gratitude and try to share with others the abundance over which we've been made steward. For a time now - we've struggled with "why is it so HARD?" - to run a business attempting to reflect God's glory, to have a small ministry which effectively reaches those who come across our path, to relate to people in positive ways, to be healthy so we can serve? It all has seemed hard recently. "If only" people weren't so --insert appropriate negative adjective of your choice -. During our devotional time this morning what I read reminded me we have an Abba Father not a cold God who doesn't see our "wronged" hurts. Even in things/people which seem to hinder what we believe we are supposed to be doing - He is working out His plan. Knowing there is a reason - a plan -behind hard times makes for lighter burdens. Not claiming I won't chafe at times even under the lightest of burdens-- but for now - I can record today's lesson so I'll remember to see the lily and know - while it is good on Buhlaland -- it will be glorious in our eternal home
Luke 12:27-28 (New Living Translation)
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"


The Way Appointed by Elisabeth Elliot

One aspect of the mystery of God's sovereign will is how the calculated evil of men is not only permitted, but actually becomes a necessary part of the divine plan. We are tempted to think of the wrongs done to us as hindrances, frustrations, interruptions. "What has this got to do with the will of God?" we ask, irritated and, we suppose, justifiably impatient with human interference. But the truth is that both our time and our way are in God's hands--they are "appointed." Surely it is so for all his sons as it was for the Son of Man. When He was on the verge of being "handed over for crucifixion," and betrayed by one of his own disciples, He said, "My appointed time is near....One who has dipped his hand into this bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man is going the way appointed for him" (Mt 26:18, 24 NEB).
Out of the deepest depths of human evil the good God brought salvation--the very salvation of man whose sinfulness killed the Son He sent.
Nothing can reach us, from any source in earth or hell, no matter how evil, which God cannot turn to his own redemptive purpose. Let us be glad that the way is not a game of chance, a mere roll of dice which determines our fortune or calamity--it is a way appointed, and it is appointed for God's eternal glory and our final good.

Stormy evening

We didn't get any real damage - wanted to share our intense storm with those of you who like lots of thundery, windy weather wildness. The hailstones are shown in my hand (to give a perspective of size). The downpour from our downspout shows the side garden being well rinsed out.

The storm let up a little but still plenty of rain coming down.

Our driveway looked a little like a waterpark for a half hour or so. After a little while, as always true to His Word, rainbows began to appear in the sky and soon from the west evening light brightened up our sunset.

It was truly awe inspiring on Buhlaland - thank you Lord for your creations.

New Link - try it!

April Wilhite who is a dear friend of ours just opened the website to her business. It is a wonderful example of someone who took their love of "pretty pictures" to a whole different level. April's portraits tell stories, show a moment in time focused on a person. You can tell I like her pictures and love her. Jump over and look around - if you are in the North Texas area and want a special photograph - contact her. I'm waiting to lose this miserable weight (she may retire before I get that accomplished!) but we'll ask her to do our portrait - maybe for Christmas or January 1, 2010 is our 10th anniversary - that would be a perfect gift for my DH! He doesn't read my blog - ever - so it'll be a secret?! It is exciting on Buhlaland when someone we love begins a new adventure.

Blooms and buzzes

The macro setting on our little point and shoot camera always surprises me. Sometimes when the camera is downloaded nifty pictures appear.
The bee is chowing down on a scabiosa bloom.

Our clematis is always a joy - it looks totally dead all winter and suddenly BAM green leaves, fast growing tendrils and dozens of deep red blooms.

Flowers are blooming, bees a' buzzin' and life is very good today on Buhlaland.

Delays,Delovely,Delightful

Today was marked on our calendars as "CHICK DAY" - well this chick has had a good day but didn't get any peeps. Feed store said there was a Delay. The Rojo Casita awaits our 8 Golden Comet pullets.

This morning was foggy and overcast, seemed primeval (if primeval could include hearing a radio playing in some neighbor's barn). The goats grumbled a bit about damp grounds and wet nibbles.

I went out early with my camera while things were still drippy and the humidity was 102%. Macro setting for the newly budded out oak leaves and lichen and maybe mosses (I'm not good on flora/ fauna) on trunks of other oak trees.

Psalm 117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. 2 For he loves us with unfailing love; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.
Praise the Lord!

It has been a delaying, delovely, delightful day on Buhlaland - pretty cool huh?

True Love

Happy Valentine's Day - hearts and flowers and Hallmark worthy sentiments - stress and guilt - all the components of an American holiday about expressing true love. While reading this morning I went from here to TRUE love . Don't read these two articles if you need to be chipper and cheery. They deal with authentic deep eternal love - not the stuff of Godiva chocolates, cute teddy bears and a dozen roses.
Many of us say we walk in faith - Amy Welborn's total dependence on God after the sudden loss of her husband is terrifying (to those of us with a spouse or loved one we fear losing), deeply comforting and a lesson in what it is walking in faith looks like.
Faith - it's not just for Sunday school you know.
"If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”Psalm 139:8 NIV

Appreciating true art

Nothing to add to this - beautiful sky courtesy of the Creator . We had this over Buhlaland today - I'm sure you had some equivalent beauty bestowed on you. There is no painting as alive and meaningful as the sky.

Brrrr

Job 37 1-13(The Message paraphrase) "Whenever this happens, my heart stops— I'm stunned, I can't catch my breath.Listen to it! Listen to his thunder, the rolling, rumbling thunder of his voice.He lets loose his lightnings from horizon to horizon, lighting up the earth from pole to pole.In their wake, the thunder echoes his voice, powerful and majestic.He lets out all the stops, he holds nothing back. No one can mistake that voice—His word thundering so wondrously, his mighty acts staggering our understanding.He orders the snow, 'Blanket the earth!' and the rain, 'Soak the whole countryside!'No one can escape the weather—it's there. And no one can escape from God.Wild animals take shelter, crawling into their dens,When blizzards roar out of the north and freezing rain crusts the land.It's God's breath that forms the ice, it's God's breath that turns lakes and rivers solid.And yes, it's God who fills clouds with rainwater and hurls lightning from them every which way.He puts them through their paces—first this way, then that— commands them to do what he says all over the world.Whether for discipline or grace or extravagant love, he makes sure they make their mark."

The size of a Texas/Oklahoma/Missouri/Arkanasa ice storm serves to remind us who is in charge. I'm not complaining Lord - just reminding you why I live in Texas. I live in Texas because it isn't THIS temperature very often! Thank you very much for listening.

Three fifteen, afternoon of January 27,2009 through my kitchen window here on Buhlaland. Also have a 15 mph wind to intensify the bone chillingness last week in January. Have to find beauty in the sheer frozen-ness of it all -ice pellets on the bright red leaves of poinsettia (a ghost of Christmas past). Even dandelion plants have a crystalline beauty in this weather. The longer green grasses next to our propane tank look like they've been sprayed with Swarovski juice.

It is icy cold today here on Buhlaland, it won't stay this way for long and if I can avoid falling on my hiney - I am enjoying the beauty through my camera lens and our windows.