thehereandafter

I started my blog way back in 2005. In sure doesn't seem that it has been that long ago. My blog started because life was changing in big ways. I named it, after much prayer "The Here and After" and what that meant to me was "Here" was what we had been living...life as I knew it. The "After" for me meant what was coming. At that time in my life I couldn't comprehend any other sort of life then living a quiet life, schooling my two children, doing everything as a family, and loving it!!! The meaning of life was clear for me...be the best Godly wife, mother, and teacher I could be! God had given me a wonderful husband, two fantastic kids, a home in the country that allowed me to see God all around me, great parents and siblings, and wonderful friends... "and make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands as we commanded you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11.  As my children were starting in...

As most of you already know I live in the country...and have experienced quite a few funny incidents. Like the time the neighbors pigs got loose. There I was sitting by the window having a little prayer time and down the dirt drive came about 5 or 6 pigs...running and snorting! Needless to say, we had a country pig roundup, which is not easy! We have had a cow loose running across my property, which had to be headed back to his own home, chicken and a couple roosters that decided the bugs in my yard where tastier and then tried to attack me, domesticated bunnies that got out of their cages, which all were not found and some mornings you can see one or two black and white bunnies running across the back pasture...country life is unique! Of late, we have a black and white goat that belongs next door and she has taken a liking to my front deck. She wonders over usually when the family next door is gone for the whole day or out of town. She stands on the deck, peers in my front window...

This past Monday we all celebrated Memorial Day. The day, every year, that we pay respect and honor to those that have fought for our freedoms and protection. For me it is a very personal day as I remember, as a young girl, my father leaving us twice to go to Vietnam and fight in that war. There are others in my family...my two nephew served in the military and both served overseas in this present war. Thank you, Lord, that those in my family that served came back! Monday night, after a peaceful morning and a wonderful afternoon spent with my family, friends, and my honey bun and cupcake I started thinking about the greatest Commander-in-Chief, the most powerful and fearless warrior civilization has ever known. He has assembled and led his faithful soldiers, his armies for thousands of years. In all his battles he has always been victorious. A few of the battles were David and Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17), Ai (see Joshua 6-7), the battle of Jericho (see Joshua 6 ). "The Lord God...