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Where Wildflowers Bloom
When I picked up Ann Shorey’s newest book, Where Wildflowers Bloom, I wasn’t expecting to relate to the main character on such a personal level. Faith Lindberg lives just after the Civil War. She’s a single woman running the family mercantile. I’m a modern day farm girl who homeschools, chases the schedules of her four kids and tries to keep her head just above the water. I’m not much for numbers, so managing a store wouldn’t be my best job, but I do love words.
Here’s the thing, it doesn’t matter at which point in history we flash on the scene, we all have to deal with disappointment and decide where that will take us.
For quite a few years now I’ve wished to move, to leave behind the place where I grew up and start fresh with only my immediate family around me. I’ve tossed this idea around for years, but the time has never been right. While my grandmother was alive, I couldn’t leave. Living without her would have been like leaving part of my heart behind. Yes, that sounds corny, but it’s true. Still, even since her death we’ve remained planted in the same soil.
As I read Faith’s story, her need to leave behind her home, the place where she felt the pain of loss sharply, I understood her struggle. Do we brush the dust from our shoes and start over somewhere new, or are we to endure and look for blessings in the place we’ve been planted?
I won’t tell you what Faith chose, but I can say for now we remain here. And thanks to Ann, my perspective is a bit different.
As with all of Ann’s books, I highly recommend Where Wildflowers Bloom.
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We all need a laugh…
I’m convinced that’s why Youtube is such a success. It meets that need to break free of real life and just laugh. Of course with the internet speed in my house this is more of a commitment. We must find our video, click play, click pause, then come back thirty minutes later to watch that five minute video. But we here in the Nelson home are dedicated to the funny, so we wait.
Here are a few of my favorite videos. I hope you’ll enjoy and laugh. It’s good for you!
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Who do they think we are?
There’s nothing random in the world of advertising. Companies know who we are and what we need probably quicker and with more accuracy than we do. Those Facebook ads aren’t accidental. They keep track of all kinds of factors, then choose the products we’re most likely to purchase.
So why does Facebook insist on enlightening me about GOUT. Do they know my future too?
That makes sense when I consider the ads I see on television. Those powerful people who know the kinds of people who watch certain shows have determined that I’m in great need of diabetic testing equipment, mobility assistance, and of course, adult incontinence supplies.
I’m so grateful that I don’t have to be the person these GENIUSES have decided I am.
Now tell me…Who do the ads say you are?
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I’m here
This blog has been silent for the last few weeks. I think about writing often, but the desire is swept away in the chaos of life. You see, our family is in one of those seasons we all hope to avoid. We’ve gained a new appreciation for spiritual warfare and I’m pleased to report that we’ve all grown closer in the battle. It’s far from over, but we’ll make it…eventually.
Have you ever been in a particularly difficult time and felt like the trials just kept mounting?
On top of the darkness we’ve had a leak in the bathroom (both from the ceiling and the toilet), a flood, a lamb die, and a son with a concussion. That’s just in the last couple weeks. Actually, most of this has been in the last couple days.When it rains it pours, and in Oregon, we REALLY mean that!
Life’s not all bad.
My marriage is awesome, and my kids are amazing.
I’ve seen my children support each other and offer encouragement to one another.
I have, and I don’t say this lightly, the very best friends in the world!
I can see the protections that were set in place years ago.
The sun is shining today and the birds are singing.
And God is still good!
I hope you’re all blessed today,
Christina
