Beyond the Garden Gate

  There is a challenge or invitation going around in social media latelly. It is to create hearts in honor of our doctors, nurses, and 1st responders and put them on a window of the house so people can see your support for this amazing heroes during the Corona Virus / covid_19 outbreak. I would like to add to it by inviting you all to pray for them as you make the hearts and every time you see a heart on a window tap your heart send them love and say a prayer for them! Fom our family we ould like to thank all the brave nurses, doctors, and 1st responders for being in the frontline, even when it means to put your life at risk for the sake of others and when you do this you show the real meaning of #love. So, thank you for your courage and hard work, thank you for the long hours as you fight your own fears and anxiety, thank you for showing up each day to the battle, thank you for all you do. And know we will keep you all in our prayers and our hearts proudly hang on our windows for each

  While we are cooped up inside I am coming up with activities that give hope, to remind our little one and us that there is a light at the end of this tunnel. And in my mind watching a bean germinate it’s exactly what we need at this moment! Just seeing how with time and right conditions the bean opens, roots come out, and a plant grows! It is very fitting to our situation, we just have to lay low for a while, go through the discomfort of cracking open and stripping away the non essential and business to focus on whats really important, water with patience and love, have the light of faith, and us too will grow. I remember doing this activity in school who else does? In my class we used baby Gerber food jars! *Grab a jar *wet paper towles and keep them moist *place dry beans between paper towels and glass (hopefully you guys got some just in case and not just toilet paper lol   if not make sure to stock on those dry goods- with measure ofcourse) *place in a bright window and see them

  Now that we are spending A LOT of time at home it is even more important than ever to focus on beauty for the sake of beauty, it really does good for the soul. When we organize the house, clean, de-clutter, etc we call that in our house “Blessing the Home” not only because it makes us feel good emotionally to be in a visually calm and nourishing environment but also because it makes us aware and reminds us of the many blessings we do have. This keeps our hearts grounded in gratitude and praise for the faithfulness and love of God. He is always, like a loving father, providing and taking care of us. It is important for us to be grateful always and show good stewardship of those gifts granted to us. I think there is a hidden blessing to all this madness and chaos, it is helping us get back to the basics- what is most important- it’s not the extra curricular and things that distract and keep us busy, it’s our faith, our family, our home… We are back to praying and being true apostles us

Yes, we are in a time of war, with a virus- corona virus / COVID-19, and the soldiers in the front lines are the doctors, nurses, and first responders. They are human like us. That means they are also feeling the same anxiety, uncertainly, and fear; not only for their lives for also for their families. They made an oath to get up in the morning get dressed and show up every day even if that means putting their lives at risk for others. They are someone’s father, mother, sister, brother, daughter, son, friend, etc. Did you know hospitals and doctors offices are running out of supplies? I will share the post from my friend, she’s a pediatrician. NOW my fellow Christian’s this is the time to be THE HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS and their Angels. People say theres nothing we can do, it is out of our control, so we might as well not stress about it. I highly disagree, there is something we can do. There are things we have control over We can be generous with our time. By this I mean not spending

  As days grow longer, and not in the good way, but more in the tense unknown of these times. I decided to make another video so it can be a bit of fresh air for those of us that need a break from all the news and statistics. Enjoy a little glimpse of how we welcome spring in the Country Cottage! I made a little video of welcoming spring on the country cottage as hopefully a bit of fresh air for all Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Luz

  When a friend needed to re-home 5 ducks and a chicken we jumped to the chance and brought them to the country cottage! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. ~Psalm 106:1

  I thought I would share a   video   with a glimpse of our breakfasts with grampas, chickens, petting a turkey, and the master at work. With all the C-19 things going on I figured we all could use a bit of lightheartedness Enjoy! Luz

  As the weather gets nicer and sunny days grow longer, I start to feel the pang of longing for a little house with a garden to call my own. I know in times like this is when I must manage my thoughts more carefully and put my mind on a leash because unchecked thoughts will drag us into despair, resentment, bitterness, and sadness. So instead I focus on gratitude: I have an appartment to live in, I have electricity, hot water, food, safety… I am truly blessed. When this happens I know that it is the perfect time to breathe new life into my little home amd I get it ready for the next season. This is something that makes me extremely happy, just to go through the home fluffing it and freshening it up. I want to instill in you my little one this pattern of fluffing, tending, caring, and blessing your home (you have done a great job with your night stand I’ll share the picture below). I think when we do this it makes such a difference not only in the atmosphere of the home but also in the