White Envelope...

It was a white envelope... not small but not big. A standard white envelope... but very white... too white, like perfect new fallen snow white, but not glittery! I don't know how I received it but it was in my hands to hold and care for. I was able to peek in the seal... but I knew to not actually open it. I could see what was in the envelope... not its whole contents but enough of a peak to know most of the whole contents. It was full... packed full of the calmest brightest light ever. It was not the kind of bright light that hurts your eyes... it was a undescribably beautiful light, overflowing with calming never ending light. Honestly I can't quite describe it. But the envelope was not mine to open... instead I would get to watch someone else open it.

Hmmmm....

I think I know what is or was in the white envelope, but just as it was not mine to open, I do not think it is mine to share... (yet, if ever) I really struggle with secrets :(

Any ideas? What do you think was in the envelope?!

Dear Mom and Dad, -chickens & heaven!

Dear Mom and Dad,

We sold the chickens and the coop last week to a great family who lives in Windshire. Their yard backs up to the dairy farm! I want you to know that I was and am so thankful for those chickens all 8 of them... and the 3 lessons learned along the way... you know we only had 5 left when we sold them. (Rory is a good bird dog!)

I will never forget the day Cecilia and her friend Emily brought in the first warm egg. And when Gabriel brought a warm one in and he said he saw her lay it :), or the day he ran in because he was worried that something was wrong with Fabuloso... did you know chickens purr? I didn't, but they do... thank goodness for Google! And then there was the crazy day Samuel buried his head in my stomach as I screamed for Rory to let go of her third bird... she is a good dog, she let go, but as you know we still had to put that sweet chicken down after nursing it for one week :( ! Those sweet chickens gave us all some good memories...

We were sad to let them go but I was able to check out their new home. I really think those 5 chickens probably think they have died and gone to heaven. Their new home is amazing... plenty of room to roam and a garden of fall food and seeds to pick through. The coop looks like it was built for this yard. Those chickens are so happy and the new familie's kids love them too. They do have dogs... hopefully they do not have to re-learn our lessons!

So the chickens are in a better place. This gives me GREAT hope that when we move we will find ourselves in a "better place" too! We all miss the chickens, even George. But it is so clear that they are happy and healthy. I hope when we move you will miss us, but it will also be SO clear that we are happy and healthy too!

I love you both so much, and thank you again for the chickens!

Vonda

Met with God!

There is this song that says "when I have been with you, I feel like I have been with God". Yesterday I had coffee with a good friend. We have been friends for almost 20 years... we knew each other before we were married. We are quite different when it comes to filtering the world and the life that God has given us. But we share at least one common trait. We both love the Lord to our core, and for what ever reason it is with this good friend that I can let it all hang out... and I hope and think she feels the same way. I can let down all the walls... show all my fears, the bare bone truth about how its going and laugh or sit in awe about the crazy ways I think God speaks and moves. Regardless of the conversation I always walk away feeling refreshed, and "like I have been with God." No I am not saying she is God!

The bible says to come "boldly" to the throne room. He wants us to let down the walls... show all our fears, and laugh and sit in awe of Him. I think if we do that we walk away feeling refreshed! It is so much easier with my friend.... Lord draw me closer!

Do you ever walk away from a situation or a person feeling "like you have been with God?"