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Archive - October, 2012

Bezalel and Oholiab Who?

October 31, 2012 in Snippets with 0 Comments

(Excerpt from our book, Tales from Heritage Farm)

Wood Carving

There are many famous and colorful characters mentioned in the Bible. Several of them are well-known even to small children. For example, there are Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, Samson, King David, Queen Esther, and Simon Peter to name a few. In the Bible, God has recorded their stories as a written lesson for those who will come after them. They are intended to be an example for our learning.

So, who, you may ask, are Bezalel and Oholiab? They also are members of this elite group of characters whose lives are recorded in the Bible. Although their reputations have not become as well-known as the other aforementioned people, their lives, too, are patterns from which to learn. Let us examine their story and learn a lesson that God wants us to discover from them.

Their interesting, though unlauded, story is recorded in chapters 35-39 of the Book of Exodus in the Holy Bible. Now at face value, I will admit, it is not a narrative of intrigue, suspense or romance. However, upon close examinaton, the story that is printed there supplies the pondering reader with some intriguing truths to consider.

Along with Moses, the main characters in this story are Bezalel and Oholiab. They were excellent and successful craftsmen in their trades.

Embroidery

Moses was told by God to get skilled people engaged in constructing His dwelling place called the Tabernacle. Besides that, the artisans were to fashion the Ark of the Covenant and the funishings of the Tabernacle. The job included the making of tables, the altar, and the curtains, the metal and the needlework which were to be used in the Tabernacle. Because these furnishings were to be used solely in the worship of the Lord God, it was essential that the makers of such unique articles be superb in workmanship and in several artful skills including those of organization and management. Since their responsibilities were to build such holy, consecrated items, it was appropriate and necessary to employ the services of extremely talented individuals. Consequently, Moses chose Bezalel and Oholiab who were competent tor this undertaking.

cut gems, setting gems, sapphires, diamonds,

Cut Stones in Setting

The scripture indicates in Exodus 35:30-34 (RSV) that Bezalel was “called by God and filled with the Spirit of God with ablility, with intelligence, with knowledge and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic design, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft.” Of Oholiab and Bezalel, Exodus 35:35 (RSV) states that they were both “inspired to teach…filled…with ability to do every sort of work done by a craftman or by a designer or by an embroiderer…or by a weaver…” They knew how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary. The Lord made them able and had stirred their hearts to do the work (Exodus 36:1-2).
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Quiet Time

October 29, 2012 in Snippets with 0 Comments

(Excerpt from our book, Tales from Heritage Farm)

Busyness can keep me running at full steam ahead. The work can be satisfying, but the one thing that I require I do not find there. I have the need for still, restful moments, when my mind can focus on the One who gave me the fine family for whom I work.

The Lord Jesus deserves my devotion 24 hours of every day.

I enjoyed some of those meaningful moments of quiet with Him as I read a portion of the Bible, Hebrews 4:11-16. It began, “Let us, therefore, strive to enter that rest…”

“Oh, Lord, how did You know I long for rest?” I said.

He answered, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

“Oh, yeah, I forgot.”

It had been too long since I sat still with my Savior and listened to Him, so He went on, “And before Him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

I cringed, “Yes, I know I’ve had so many things to do. You see how life is for me, Lord, don’t you? You know I love You, but I am not too gifted at scheduling things as important as quiet time with You. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” I entreated.

“Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus Christ, the Son of God; let us hold fast our confession.” He encouraged. He went on, “For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

My heart burst forth, “Oh, Lord, I am so glad you really understand and that you love me so. I am comforted by your kind and thoughtful words. Why don’t I always come to you first? I want to; I need you so.”

With His love surrounding me, His Word said, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

“Oh, yes, Lord, I need to come to you more often. I always have times of need,” I responded.

Then, “Buzz!” The buzzer rang. The apple juice needed to come out of the canner and I was brought back to the busyness at hand. I had had a time of peace and rest, visiting with my Lord in His “living and active” Word, the Holy Bible.

We were made for God. We function best with exposure to His Word and a personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Take time alone, away from your work, read the Bible, ask for that relationship with Him. He will welcome you with open arms. He loves you dearly.
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Busy, Busy, Busy

October 25, 2012 in Snippets with 0 Comments

(Excerpt from Tales From Heritage Farm.)

“Busy, busy, busy! There is so much to do and so little time.” Are those familiar words or thoughts you ponder often? Do they bring certain images to your mind like the drone of the beehive or the rush of the noonday traffic? Perhaps it sounds like your life. Could it be that you or I am too busy? Let’s check the record.

At 7:30 AM , my daughter and I went to take photos of her beside an historical site for a school assignment. We did this on our way to an 8:00 AM doctor’s appointment. Next, I drove her to school.

Upon ariving home, eleven quarts of apple cider, four pints of grape jelly, and seven quarts of tomato soup were waiting for me to prepare and can them. Besides that, there were three quarts of fresh broccoli asking to be frozen. Several bunches of grapes were badly in need of processing, so I extracted three quarts of grape juice from them. (This time of year has a lot of harvesting and preserving work to be done.)

I gave one haircut and have attempted to sit down three times to write this little entry in my diary (all without sufficient time to complete it). Later in the day, I met my family for a local homecoming game. I have not had much time to sit quietly. I have been on the go. My writing has had to wait. It was shelved until the following day.

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The Cannas Are In

October 23, 2012 in Fresh Off the Farm with 0 Comments

The frost burned the cannas. So they are ready to dig up.

Canna lilies are tall flowering plants. Ours happen to be red. I got them from my mother-in-law. Some of them grow taller than I am. They can be quite a showy plant.

The bulbs must be brought inside each fall. There are some that survive the winter, but It is most reliable for their well-being to bring the roots indoors for the winter. I dig them out, chop off the stem of the plant and discard it. The roots get carried to the south side of the house. If the weather permits they will lie out there in the sun for a few days to dry. If not dried, they can mold and that will harm the roots.

I keep the roots stored all winter. Some bulbs will shrivel up in the safety of the cellar. In the spring, I toss out the ones that have shriveled up or look unhealthy. I plant the best of the rest. If I am particularly lucky, I will have enough bulbs to give to a friend.

Yes, the Cannas are in. That is one more job finished as we look forward to the coming of winter.

I Don’t Want To!

October 20, 2012 in Smorgasbord with 2 Comments

A cardboard crown, child's crown, princess crown in cardboard,

The Little Princess' Crown

The little bundle of joy donned a pretty, oversized, play dress. For her royal cape, she tied about her neck the strings of mommy’s apron positioning the bow underneath her chin. To top off the costume, she perched a piece of cardboard that had been fashioned into the likeness of a crown on her head. She checked her reflecton in the mirror. She did look like a little princess, she thought.

Mother had begun her day’s work at the kitchen sink, washing up the breakfast dishes.

Her little one entered the room fleet of foot and running. She ran to the living room and returned to run several times around the kitchen table.

Curious as to what brought on the running exercise, Mother asked, “Sweetie, why are you running so much?”

Without stopping, the little princess panted out her dilemma with concern, “A handsome prince asked me to marry him and I don’t want to!”

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Solar Energy Does It Again

October 19, 2012 in Fresh Off the Farm with 0 Comments

Sunshine is great. The sun dries my laundry on the clothesline. It nourishes the garden and crops. It dries our hay so that we can preserve it for the winter months. Today I used the sun again.

I dug up the beets and carrots in my garden.

I topped the carrots. I slice off about 1/4 inch of the top end of the carrot with the leaves. If I don’t do that, during the storage season in the cellar, the carrots tend to sprout new leaves even though they are not in the soil.

The beets are cared for differently. When I cut off the leaves I leave 1-inch of stem on them. Without that inch of stem left on the root, the rich, redness of the beet will bleed out color as I cook them. They are to be cooked with that bit of stem, the root, and with their skins still on them.

All of the greens went to feed the chickens. Lucky ducks!

With the beet and carrot preparation finished, I washed them all off in a pail of water. I put them on the grass in my lawn and let them bask in the sun to dry. Hurray for the sun’s rays and the wind!

When the carrots and beets are thoroughly dry, I put the beets in a crock in the cellar until I have the time to cook and freeze them. Carrots, on the other hand, will be packaged in plastic storage bags. I poke holes in the plastic bags to let air get into the bag. That seems to help the carrots keep longer for me.

I am glad the sun was out to help me finish that little job today.

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Creating with Cards

October 17, 2012 in Cards, Family Ties with 4 Comments

decoupage, cards, timepiece, wall clock, home-made clock face, sketches,

A Conversational Timepiece

For the creative-spirited soul, here is an idea from my own daughter’s dining room.

With 12 of our notecards, she has made a timepiece.

She mounted each sketched card on a block of wood. Before the mounting, 1-inch thick pieces of wood were cut to the exact size of the cards. She painted the cut-edges of the boards a variety of fun colors such as lilac, lime green, yellow, pink, etc. She decoupaged the cards onto the face of the boards and placed a picture hanger on the back side. After arranging them in a circle in an aestheticly pleasing fashion, she hung them on her dining room wall. In the center, she used the recycled hands and works of an old battery-operated clock to tell the time. Voila! Her self-designed timepiece has its place on the wall.

I enjoy hearing about the unique ways our cards can fit into someone’s life. See the selection of cards available in our store. Happy creating!

photo credit: Bretta Grabau

Mom’s Home-made Apple Pie

October 15, 2012 in Family Ties, Smorgasbord with 0 Comments

It is true. Nobody make apple pie like mom.

I have used her recipe many times.

Crust for a 2-crust pie:

1 cup Crisco shortening (or 3/4 cup lard)

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups flour

6 Tablespoons cold water

Mix these ingredients; divide into 3 balls. If they seem sticky, add flour to get the desired texture. If they are too dry to roll out nicely, add a teaspoon of water and mix till the texture is more pliable.

Roll out 2 balls, one at a time, onto a floured surface. Roll out dough to a 10-11 inch circle. Fold the circle in half and in half again. This 1/4-size transfers easily into the pie plate. Position it so that the point made by the 2 folds is centered in the pie plate. Unfold it. Roughly trim edges and fill in empty spots with extra dough, if needed.

Add the filling. (See below for Apple filling.) Dot with butter.

Prepare the second pie crust. When folded in fourths, use the rounded edge of a spoon to cut 3 slits on the folded edges. These will serve as steam vents as the pie bakes. Top the pie with this folded pie crust. Again roughly trim the excess pie crust from the edge of the top pie crust. Patch the top crust if needed with these excess amounts of pie dough. Pinch the edges of the 2 crusts together.

Sprinkle the top crust with a generous amount of sugar and cinnamon, to taste. (If you have excess amounts of scraps from the 2 crusts, you may make them into a small ball and roll out. Put it on an ungreased cookie sheet and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes and you will have a treat to enjoy.)

Bake the pie at 350° for 50 min. or until the crust is lightly browned and the filling shows thick bubbling.

NOTE: The 3rd ball of crust is unused. Flatten the ball into a 1-inch thick circle. Put into a freezer bag and freeze. The next time you make a 1-crust pie, thaw it and you are ready to go!

Apple Pie Filling

4-5 cups of pared, sliced apples. (I like apples with some tartness like a Jonathan. Sometimes I substitute rhubarb in this filling.)

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoons flour

Mix these ingredients together. They are yummy right from the bowl, but be sure to put some in the crust!

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Have an Apple!

October 12, 2012 in Fresh Off the Farm with 0 Comments

A long time ago, my husband and his dad found an apple tree in the ditch by the farm. When they were transplanting some large trees at my father-in-law’s home, they decided to uproot and transplant this tree, which had probably grown from an apple core that some passenger threw out of the car window. They planted it on the farm.

That tree produces fruit in August. We have 2 other trees of different varieties which ripen in September and October.

When the trees bear, we pick and use the fruit. Much of it is thrown to the chickens or the heifers. We cannot consume all of the apples.

I have canned apple sauce and apple pie-filling. I have frozen many packages of apple slices.

Fortunately, we found an antique apple cider press at our neighbor’s. He was interested in selling and we decided to buy it. It has made many quarts of delicious apple juice for us. I can the juice and we use it for cooking and for drinking.

With the many ways the Lord provides for us, I don’t want the food to go to waste. So I work to preserve it for my family. Thank You, Lord, for the apples!

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Customize Your Note Cards

October 10, 2012 in Cards, Family Ties with 0 Comments

This year, in our Christmas Catalog, we are featuring two options for customizing our note cards.

1. Customers may request the cards to be sent unfolded.

For example: My daughter has ordered her Christmas cards from us. She requests that we send them to her unfolded. That way she is able to print the inside of the cards on her own printer with her family’s own special font and sentiment.

When the cards come unfolded, the customer is responsible to print his/her own sentiment and to fold the cards.*

2. We are also featuring a “Merry Christmas” sentiment with or without a Bible verse. The inside will be finished for you and the cards will be delivered folded. This convenience comes with a small extra cost.

*CAUTION: In the folding process, do not attempt to crease the fold of the card with fingers with polished nails. Nail polish can rub off and discolor the card.

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