The shield

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." -Ephesians 6:10-18

When I read this last summer (I think), I was struck that Paul said "in every circumstance" to take up your shield of faith. That should be my instinct whenever something comes up, good or ill. The evil one is on the prowl even in the happy times (like at a birthday party), and we must be ready with our shield to deflect the darts (judgmental or jealous thoughts). I think it's amazing that God has given this weapon--simple faith in Him--that will enable us to "extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one". 

Raise your shields, one and all.

Just like Mom's!

Finally, I got myself a good grain-free meatball recipe. I experimented with a couple recipes, but they've always come out dry. Then I tried this one using half ground turkey, and that was much better. People didn't like the flavor as much however (and the gravy was pretty much a disaster. Don't ask.), so today I tried to recreate the flavors of my Mom's recipe. Sans breadcrumbs of course. 

It worked!* 
 
I'd say that using a half beef and half turkey mix is the key to getting the best "normal" consistency.

Grain-free Meatballs
Makes about six dozen
 
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground turkey
2 eggs
2 T. coconut flour
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 t. dried parsley
1 1/2 t. salt

Set oven to 350. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Using a cookie dough scoop (or your hands), shape meatballs and place in two 9x13 pans. Bake for 20 minutes, and continue with next batch.
 
*well, the meatballs did. The gravy failed again...it turned into a meatball soup, which was still tasty.

spring is...

robins robins everywhere.

looking for wild daffodils.

grape hyacinths in the pasture.

damp soil.

planting the vegetable garden.

fresh air and sunshine...finally!

What can I add?

Links: some shameless advertising

click to enlarge--source

If anyone lives in Lancaster, do come see my choir's production of Anne of Green Gables. It will be held at Leola Elementary School on March 20th and 21th. Tickets at the door are $15, but if you pre-order on the website they are $12. Hurry up, sales close on March 12th! 

This is a very interesting one man show about C. S. Lewis that my family and I watched last night. 

I think we can all agree that these are a really good idea.

Squeeeee.

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It is now official: Anne has departed. Two or three Saturdays ago, Dad saw her being eaten by a hawk across the road. Since the chickens are brown her body was camouflaged among the leaves, so we hadn't seen her before. 

It's good that we know where and how it happened. We've had a near miss since than, but no losses. The hawk hasn't shown its face in the past couple days. I'm hoping the warmer weather has given it some other prey to hunt.

A side for dinner and some news

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Dressed-up Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower
1-2 T. oil, butter, or bacon fat
2 T. dried chives
1/2 t. turmeric
1 t. salt
a pinch mace OR nutmeg*
4 cloves garlic, minced

Wash cauliflower and cut into florets. Place in food processor and process until it is the size of rice or a little smaller. Melt oil in frying pan and add processed cauliflower. Stir occasionally and add the rest of the ingredients. Continue to saute until soft and serve hot.

*Mace has a stronger flavor than nutmeg, so if using nutmeg adjust accordingly.

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Some sad news. :( One of the chickens (Anne) is missing. She was one of the four that jumps the fence every evening before I let the others out, so I'm guessing an animal got her. It is sad, but--unfortunately--it's part of "homestead" life. 

Update #10: In which we have a photo shoot

Another very late update.

My brother and his wife were visiting for Christmas and since he had his camera with him (surprise!), the chickens had a paparazzi tailing them as the free-ranged. :)

chicken butt!

They've been doing very well since then, though a few had a touch of frostbite. However, coconut oil came to the rescue. I rubbed it on their combs and they healed up amazingly quickly. Also, I accidentally discovered that they love eating coconut oil as well as wearing it! Since it was cold out the coconut oil froze, so I scraped it out of the bowl. Quite a frenzy ensued as the girls ran about trying to snatch up each piece. They also enjoy mealworms and oats while they're out in the yard. Yup, they're spoiled.

I believe

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I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

--The Nicene Creed