Seasons of Farm Grove

The View From My Loft Window

Sharon L. Clemens — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:51:51 +0000

Under Blue Sky

Winter can be confining to body and spirit, if permitted. A daily dose of the view from the loft window refreshes my outlook as it expands the boundaries of my inside world. Blue sky and distant vistas are like a breath of fresh air, mentally and physically.

Long winter days are what we make of them. Yesterday, we grabbed a matinée. One For The Money was a combination of action movie, comedy and chick flick…I think. We enjoyed it. Our drive home at dusk increased our deer count by six for the week–perhaps seven if I had gotten a better look at that shadowy shape in the thicket.

I’m about to go downstairs and bake a rhubarb cobbler. A new study CD entertains my mind while my hands are busy. The cobbler will add a taste of spring to Sunday dinner. When our son arrives, he comes directly to the kitchen asking, “What’s for dinner, Mom?” I love giving him the menu to see his reaction.

Treasure in Flax

Sharon L. Clemens — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:09:22 +0000

HAND-WOVEN INDIGO BLUE COUNTERPANE

I know little of my great-great-grandmother Rhoda Johnson Coleman. But one possession that has come down to me provides a tantalizing glimpse of her. She wove by hand the antique counterpane coverlet above in Cady, Ohio, in 1837. That puts the age of the coverlet at one hundred seventy-five years. Although the edges show wear, the counterpane is in remarkable condition given its history. It was passed down through four generations before reaching me, two of which were my great-aunt Rhoda and my mother, Frances Rhoda Hilst. Although I am not a namesake, I receive it proudly.

A weathered note passed down with the counterpane also reveals that Rhoda raised, carded and made into thread the flax with which she wove the piece. It is a rich, oriental design of exotic birds feeding nests of their young, bordered by rows of pagoda-style buildings. The deep blue of the indigo dye remains a sharp contrast to the natural flax-colored figures.

Before receiving the coverlet, I did not know the name of my great-great-grandmother on my mother’s side. It is only because her name remained with her handiwork that I know it now. Art takes many forms. In Rhoda’s day, it was utilitarian; and yet it survives today as a tangible tribute to a life lived.

FIRST SNOW

Sharon L. Clemens — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:23:52 +0000

The first snow of the season is falling on Central Illinois. The farmstead finally sleeps under a downy comforter, feeding my solitude and causing the winter wheat to rejoice. The snow sanctions the calender and resets my internal clock.

VIEW FROM THE LOFT

Apple trees stand starkly on their white canvas garden, like a vintage black and white photograph.

WINTER 2012

Winter arrived late to the January party. Now that it is here, I can hibernate.

~~~

Welcoming the Expected and Unexpected New Year

Sharon L. Clemens — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:19:13 +0000

Welcome New Year

It’s interesting to read forecasts for the new year. I’m predicting it will be what I make of it and how I discern it. More sensational predictions than usual surround the winter solstice, December 21, 2012. I’m screening all information through the truth template of the Bible. No second guessing necessary.

I’m grateful for principle guidelines. So many have none. I’ll be occupying the same space and fulfilling the same destiny I was called to before the year began. In spite of expectations others may impose upon me, I’m setting out to accomplish much and grow even more in 2012. That’s the direction I’m heading, unless God has a meaningful detour planned. All is up to Him. I’m grateful it’s not up to me.

How is your 2012 optimism? My front door is open to wherever He leads. Now, that’s exciting!

PROJECTS FOR 2012

Sharon L. Clemens — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:16:39 +0000

Two manuscripts currently clog my WORD file. I need to divest myself of one or both in year 2012 but am torn as to which project to undertake first. Whichever I tackle, it promises to consume me.

INVISIBLE is the fourth book in the Door County fiction series. This manuscript has been tweaked past the point of re-write and needs to either get into print or languish indefinitely, banished to the hard drive. The second, WHEN THE LAMB STANDS, is a labor-intensive Biblical commentary that needs extensive revisions and will take at least another year before I even consider publishing it. 2012 seems to have defined itself as the year of the book. Which one? Both? How much time am I willing to invest?

My dilemma isn’t an unhappy one–I’m proud two books exist to await my attention. The past year would seem unfruitful and the new year, bleak, otherwise. But once I am committed, the publishing process will occupy all my time and oxygen to the near exclusion of ALL ELSE! Life must go on. Other responsibilities require consistent attention.

Like a member of The Polar Bear Club, I’m hesitant to dip my toe into icy water. Yet once the plunge is taken, the experience is exhilerating. Hello new year.

Things To Know Before The New Year Begins

Sharon L. Clemens — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:50:52 +0000

Celebrate!

In the next few days, pundits will line up to make their annual predictions about the next twelve months. Some forecasts are ominous; but in spite of expert opinions, the new year will be what we make of it. Faith and character often find their most expressive canvas in challenging circumstances.

To prepare for whatever 2012 may bring, I look back rather than forward. I’m reminded that the most profound life lessons are those learned in testing. If this is a testing year, I will celebrate the opportunity, knowing that faith also carries great and perfect promises of blessing, even deliverance.

The greatest gift I could give to those unsure of the future is to urge them to receive the Savior of the Bible. The one thing to know is not a what–it is a Who. Know Christ. When Christ Jesus is your sure foundation, no future is uncertain. Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve Goosebumps and The Best Christmas Present Ever!

Sharon L. Clemens — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:05:26 +0000

I’m looking forward to the Christmas Eve service at our church, Harvest Bible Chapel, Peoria. Singing the praises of the King who came in human flesh as a humble child at Bethlehem never ceases to move me. But I’m especially excited that He is coming again–this time to reign as King on the throne of His ancestor, David of Israel. King David is Christ’s human ancestor, but His Father is God Almighty. Christ is the God/Man. What a gift to mankind that God would come in human flesh, not only to present Himself to us in a form we can relate to, but to be our substitute for human sin. Only a man who is also God could pay the price because the Father’s price for sin was a sinless substitute!

Only the redeemed who receive the precious gift of Christ’s atonement truly know what Christmas is all about. But even more, we know the greatest Christmas is yet to come when He returns. If you are looking for the ultimate gift this Christmas and do not yet know Christ as Lord and Savior, receive Him now. This could be your best Christmas yet.

Even so, Come Lord Jesus!!!

Joy to the world, the Lord has come...and He is coming again! That would give anyone goosebumps!

The Nativity

Sharon L. Clemens — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:18:28 +0000

Cardboard Three-Dimensional Nativity, Circa 1950

Vintage Christmas cards from the 1920′s and 30′s echo the nostalgic feel of the simple dime store nativity. All are from my grandmother, a one-room school teacher in the early 19oo’s who kept these treasures for future generations.

The Christmas Tree

Sharon L. Clemens — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:47:51 +0000

The Toys Come Out To Play At Christmas

Our ten-foot frasier fir fills a considerable space in the great room, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Vintage toys from childhood gather around the tree. The stuffed animals tend to be mischievous, when we are not looking. Teddy tires of riding his wooden rocking horse and hitches a ride on Tanner, the Christmas deer. Tanner doesn’t seem to mind. He is the more mature of the two.

IM006800

Sharon L. Clemens — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:32:28 +0000

Waiting for the kids and snow to arrive…