Springtime, God's provision

These are the days of 'what season is it anyway?'  Perfect for thinking ahead, as well behind. 

If we are wise, we plan for the next things in our lives, knowing that we don't know.

I deal with soaring prices, but do what always works. Use what is on hand, and be thrifty as I plan.

This is what I do with leftover broths, veggies (raw and cooked), as well as cooked meats and beans.

Using yogurt containers, I add things in layers, for a few weeks, then empty the contents in a large pan and simmer on the stovetop on low for part of the afternoon.  This 'soup' has cooked chicken pieces 

and  broth, chunks of raw broccoli, leftover tomato sauce, black-eyed peas, 

and goodness, I have no clue!

Yes, it works, and most every week or 2 in summer, there is a day that is dreary and cooler, so this works well.   Add seasonings and some rice or pasta-something, toward the end, if you like.

Frozen grated zucchini...whatever.  Sliced carrots if you need additional veg and color.  Even a can of tomatoes?  No rules, but simmering loveliness.

Add some kind of bread (muffins, toast, biscuits?) Course it helps to have a few in the freezer as well.

A bedroom needed curtains, and after shortening them, I covered a pillow with the sheer print, then sewed a small pillow with some light green chambray.  Sorta simple, so added 2 rows of grosgrain ribbon, and 6 tiny whale buttons. Why not?  

Only cost was a thrifted pillow-form, and the room looks summer ready.

Springtime at Redbarn is time for new chicks in the barn, hens going broody, gardens getting planted, and ladybugs🐞 inside the house windowsills.  It's just what happens, and they're cheerful little indicators of the season. 

 

This one ran circles around the rim of a jarred candle.  She got nowhere fast, stopped, and started up again.   Got me to thinking.. yes, of course its a human tendency as well.   We fly around, get settled on the top of our situations, and proceed to run in circles in our own strength.  How foolish we are, when we don't seek His face in prayer. Don't check His Word (and of course answers are in the Bible...our situations and relationships are nothing new).  We erroneously believe that these crazy times are unique in our days.  Scripture is clear on that.

James 1:5 NASB

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach..

or, The Living Bible

If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you.

How blessed we are, that we can hear from the God of the Universe, the God of all ages, and all people.

No matter where we're from, no matter what our past, no matter what our abilities are. We have a Father that loves us, provides for us, and redeems us from the harshness of eternity separated from the One who call us His own.  He provides for and  forgives those who come to Him with a humble heart, asking for His Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer.  Funny, how so many think they can 'go it' alone. That hey are 'good enough'.  What could possibly need redeeming??

His word says that there are none that are worthy, no, not one, without the atoning blood of the Savior.

Perhaps the picture of the humble ladybug futilely running in circles shows that we need to have a direction in life...and something to follow.  Not just any 'thing' to follow will do.  There is only one Way, One Truth, One life.  His name is Jesus. 

And yes, somedays we find ourselves running around the rim of the candle. Let's stop quickly, seek His face and His Word.   Sometimes candles are lit.  Thank God for His mercy.