Winter Skies, Making and Baking, and Other News Fresh From the Farm

Inside: Winter sneaking up on us, crafting and cooking in December, and another approach to problem solving.

Winter Sneaking Up on Us

Is it just me, or is it cold outside?

This year it feels colder than usual, but that might be because I’ve had trouble breaking out the winter weather gear. Until about two weeks ago, I was wearing a T-shirt and grabbing a hooded jacket as I headed out the door. After thirty years of marriage, maybe Hubs not wearing a coat has influenced me.

For those who know Mike, they know he doesn’t wear a coat or jacket in the wintertime. I don’t notice it anymore, although it was odd the first year we dated. Now it would be strange if he suddenly started wearing a coat. He does keep a jacket in the car for emergencies to keep me happy. And, in case you’re wondering, he rarely gets sick. I’ve known him since 1985, and he’s had the flu twice in that time period. Colds and sniffles are few and far between. So I gave up protesting a long, long time ago.

As for me, I’m thinking I need to pay more attention to things like layering and fleece and fur-lined gloves. Lotion and lip balm. Keeping my humidifier filled and running. Making large batches of soup. Winter rituals that make the season less dark and gloomy as we wait for longer days under the sun.

Crafting and Cooking in December

The merry and bright season is in full swing around the farm. We’ve gotten busy with several projects, including our Hillbilly Christmas Wreath which is making the rounds on Pinterest. We made a prim Christmas tree forest, the trees made out of sticks you find in the yard, and Mom has taken the ball and run with it by making smaller ornaments, plus a larger tree. All with sticks and a few add-ons. Meanwhile I’ve been busy making an assortment of spiced nuts and other goodies in preparation for “The 12 Posts of Christmas,” running from December 14 through Christmas. Each day will be a short post (mostly) featuring crafts, recipes, reflections, or interesting facts and traditions of the season. It’s our gift to you, our amazing, cool, fabulous readers!

And if you’re looking for more holiday reading and how-tos, I did a guest post over at my good writer friend Margo Dill’s website Look to the Western Sky. She blogs on life as a single parent and the dreams of a writer (and author, too!), so open a few doors and take a peek inside while you’re there. You’ll be glad you did!

Another Approach to Problem Solving

If you’ve been attending church for a while, you’ve likely heard the advice to give your problems to God. Listening to the message at church last weekend, our pastor happened to bring up an analogy on the subject that I’ve been pondering. If your car needs fixing, he explained, you leave it with the mechanic. You don’t drive it back home, and you don’t pick it up before it’s fixed. That fits in with a scripture that has gently tapped me on the shoulder several times over the last month–one I hadn’t previously paid much attention to: Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (NIV).

What an amazing promise! Kind of flies in the face of the tired and untrue old adage “God helps those who help themselves.”

Bundle up, friends, and stay warm–both inside and out!

What’s happening in your neck of the woods? Tell us about it in the comments.

Don’t forget! “The 12 Posts of Christmas” starts Thursday, December 14!

And if you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas, check out A Rural Girl’s Favorite Things Christmas Gift Guide.