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Category: The Erstwhile Acorn
During our trip to the Black Hills, I believe that the most significant memorial that we visited was Crazy Horse. Don’t get me wrong. Mt Rushmore was over the top….amazing! My pride as an American, and love of country, brought tears to my eyes. However, being married to Mr. Moo Cow for 45 yrs., the care of the land is vastly important to our family. So when you read further on, you’ll understand how the visit to The Crazy Horse Memorial, so touched my heart. Two of my husband’s favorite quotes that he reiterates to the…
Recently, it has become clear to me that I need to go in a new direction. I have had so many “God-Thing” Stories in my own Life, not to mention all of the stories He has brought to me. If you have a God-Thing to share, send it to me. I always collected stories from friends and acquaintances. Once you read the first article….. you will totally understand why I am changing my venue. KRISTA THE STORYTELLER Do You Believe In Angels? Recently I went on a two week Vacation to South Dakota with my Best…
Granny always knew that I was the grandchild that loved to be inundated with family history. As a child, I’d always gaze at the picture that hung next to my bed. It is now displayed in a special corner of my dining room anointed with the name, ”Granny’s Corner.” My historical work of art was created by my great grandmother, Josephine Mestimacher Harman. It is a crocheted picture of The Crucifixion. Right before she passed in 1941, I was told that she was working on a picture of The Last Supper. However, it was never to be…
Quotes speak to my heart in a very powerful way. It’s amazing how a few words can create emotion, empathy and compassion. While investigating pinterest for quotes pertaining to strength, I came upon a picture of a fierce lion. These animals always depict strength, as they are kings that reign over all other animals. Superimposed upon the visage is the following quote: “The devil whispered you can’t withstand the storm. The warrior replied, ”I am the storm.” After I read the quote, it was as if The Holy Spirit was having a heart to heart with me. “Really…
Memories The other day, I was walking with the pups in our barn lot filled with dandelions. As Petie and Sadie were wrestling at my feet, I looked down and visualized the prettiest purple posies…. Sweet violets. MEMORIES……………………………. One of my earliest memories…..I was 3 years old, walking with my mom in the big ,open field, next to our home near Cincinnati. In 1952. Montgomery was a sleepy little town, where everyone knew their neighbors, and those who owned local businesses, were familiar friends. Somewhere, there is a picture of me in my little sundress picking daisies and…
YEP! LEARN TO SAY NO! Whether it’s a task at home, church, girl scouts, etc… we live in a culture where we spread ourselves way too thin. For those who are my age, it’s all about being a “Good Little Girl…and doing the right thing.” A lot of this attitude comes from 12 years of Nuns. Also, growing up in the 50/60’s era. Huh? Read Bill O’Reilly’s Old School. It’s hilarious! When I first got married, the “Be The Best” syndrome overwhelmed me. I wanted to be the best farm wife. Good…
In April of ’72, I made the first visit to the homestead, built in 1890. It was the homestead of my mother-in-law and her sister. When we visualized the inside of the house after the renters moved out, it was a disaster. When Grandpa Cutler said, “Set a match to it,” it went unnoticed, since he had no say. Mother-in-law did build a downstairs bathroom, and did some wallpapering over the old horsehair plaster and lathe…YUK!!. My parents put in carpeting and gave us furniture. We lived in the downstairs for 6 yrs. After…
How many times I heard this proverb growing up? How many times have all of us rushed through a test, an activity, all to our dismay. Granny always said,” If you take your time, you’ll never whine!” How right she was. After I married Mr. Moo Cow, I did things that I never imagined were possible! Occasionally I drove a tractor. However, that was usually dad and grandpa’s job, until the boys came of age. Farm kids are so successful as adults, in all walks of life due to the following: *great parenting * personal motivation *usually families of…
As a child growing up, whenever I would have a struggle Granny would laugh and say, ”What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Oh! I can’t tell you how many times I reiterated that to my friends and children throughout my life. When I had a serious illness at 10 years old, my mom said, ”When you’re having health issues, it’s hard to see yourself clear to the other side. God will get you through this. When it’s all over, you’ll be stronger, healthier and happier than before.” Whether it’s a health issue…
“For wisdom is a kindly spirit, yet she does not acquit blasphemous lips. Therefore, guard against profitless grumbling, and from calumny, withhold your tongue. For a stealthy utterance will not go unpunished, and a lying mouth destroys the soul. A Fools thoughts are in their mouths. Wise men’s thoughts are in their hearts. Who will set guard over my mouth, and upon my mouth an effective seal; that my tongue may not destroy me.” The Tongue: It can either speak words from The Holy Spirit, or words from the mouth of hell. Fear, cursing, anger, bullying, confrontation…
Often times either Mother Nature or her little creatures, teach us lessons. So is the case with Petie and Sadie, our Chocolate Lab Litter Mates. These pups have grown up so fast, they were becoming restless and hard to control. Twice, when we had come home, they had literally gnawed holes in the wall. Sadie was also becoming infamous at trying to take things off the counters. I needed to change their paradigm very quickly. They needed an area to run, play, and wear out their energy. In comes Chip to the rescue, my Invisible Fence Hero. The pups play…
Granny and Mom were never judgmental. Dad…somewhat, but all three of them taught me to make good choices. Growing up, I was a pretty good judge of character. I recognized very easily those with whom I didn’t wish to associate. I graduated from college in’72. It was the Hippie Era, when drugs and pot became ignited within our society. Thank God, it was never my cup of Tea. Twelve years of nuns did give me a good mindset, as far as drugs and morality were concerned. I dated a lot of zeros. I learned what I was…
This morning I was watching Rachel Ray. She was creating her favorite Sicilian Recipe that she used to make with her grandfather. She noted the fact that when she gets to heaven, it would be the first meal she would fix for him. This so touched my heart. It took my mind on a journey of dishes from my German heritage. When I get to heaven, these are the meals I want to share with my heavenly ancestors. Mom..Pork roast…sauerkraut…mashed potatoes..applesauce. Dad and Granpa O… Limburger cheese on black rye bread..onion..mustard..and an ice…
Outside of Columbus, in the small town of West Jefferson on Rt. 40, is a small diner known as HENRY’S. It’s a little hole in the wall, soon to be remodeled. Before the freeway systems were built, Rt. 40 was a major highway from Springfield to Columbus. Back then, Henry’s was a gas station, restaurant. The eatery has recently been passed from father to son. Big plans are in the process for a complete overall. However, to look at it now, one would exclaim, ”What a Dive!” Not only the food/famous pies, but also the gentleness…
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you. Plans not to harm you, but for a hope and a future. This morning I was watching one of my favorite programs, Life Today with hosts James and Betty Robinson. The guest for the day was Squire Rushnell, the author of God Winks. WOW! I’ve REALIZED many in my lifetime. I capitalized the word realized for a reason. We all get God Winks. Many of us REALIZE that they occur through a Divine Alignment (Rushnell’s new Book). Others do not. For those tapped into “The Source…