Monday, April 28, 2014

I am Mary


I love my Bible.  Every time I pick it up, there is perfect wisdom waiting to fill my soul.  No matter how many times I read it, it is new every morning, lifting my spirit and narrowing my focus on the will of my Father.  My Bible is worn with years of use and smudged with tears of joy and sorrow and frustration.

Recently, I was making my through Luke.  As I read the account of Mary, I realized that Mary's story was not only the story of the young woman chosen to be the mother of our Savior, but it was my story as well.  You see, both Mary and I were filled with the Holy Spirit.  We were both chosen to carry our Savior - she in her womb and I in my heart.  We were both highly favored and blessed among women.  Mary and I, when we encountered the God of universe answered "Be it unto me according to thy word".

And if you are a follower of "The Way", then Mary's story is your story as well.  You, too, were called from among the people.  You were filled with the Holy Spirit.  You, in essence, became the "handmaid" of the Lord.

Think of it - Mary was just like you and I.  She was nothing special.  She was not from a wealthy family.  She was not highly educated.  We don't know if she was physically beautiful, but if she was, it was never mentioned.  She was just an ordinary girl. Yet she was chosen to bear the Savior of the world.  And, you - you ordinary, imperfect, undeserving human being, were also chosen.  You were chosen to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to bear the Savior to the lost.  You were chosen to be the Lord's handmaiden (or servant, if you prefer) and, in perfect faith say "Be it unto me according to thy Word".

Now, I sing Mary's song with a new voice.  I sing it with my voice, knowing that it is my song and my voice will rise to the heavens...

"My soul doth magnify the Lord.  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.  For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.  For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.  And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.  He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their harts.  He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.  He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.  He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;  As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever."  Luke 1 47:55

Today, remember who you are.  You, dear ones, are chosen among the people.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

A Gift - and a Thank You

Yesterday, Maid Elizabeth returned from her job as a clerk at our local post office with a package cradled in her arms.  It was addressed to Enola Gay with a return address of Nevada.  The package was somewhat flat, with a typewritten enveloped taped to the back, along with an envelope containing product warranty information.    HP was emblazoned across the box - and I burst into tears.

My hands shook as I lifted a brand new burgundy (the color I would have chosen) colored laptop from its box.  Sir Knight sat across from me in humble astonishment at the unparalleled generosity of people that we had never met.  With the entire family gathered round, I read the letter from the folks that had gifted us this wonderful tool.  Their letter made us smile.  It was real.  It was kind.  It represented everything that is best in our fellow man.  Thank you.

I will do my best to put this wonderful gift to good use.  I have so many blogs rolling around in my head - now I can get them down on "paper".  I haven't the words to express my appreciation, so I'll use the inadequate but time tested - Thank you.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Patriot Day Speech

Grade: A+

Although I can't download the video yet, I thought I would post the contents of Miss Serenity's speech.  She did a wonderful job - we couldn't be prouder.

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Hi, my name is Serenity McKie.  I'm 15 years old and a patriot.  I'm a little nervous to be in front of you all, but I'm homeschooled and my mom said this was my public speaking final!

I live in the country and have grown up in the woods, hunting everything and anything that was in season.  Last year I got my first big buck.  I was prone, shooting my dad's Styre SSG.  It was awesome!  I love hunting and the freedom it affords me, however, my right to hunt is not guaranteed by the constitution of the United States. My right to hunt is merely a right by default. It is my right because the 2nd Amendment has guaranteed that the people dictate their freedoms to the government- the government does not dictate freedom to the people. And we the people have chosen to give ourselves the freedom to hunt.

In truth the Bill Of Rights  does nothing to secure my right to enjoy shooting sports, to target practice, or to shoot clay pigeons. It does however, dictate the responsibility of maintaining freedom to the citizens of the United States . Liberty can only be maintained by a free people- governments, by their very definition, are incapable if granting freedom. As a citizen, it is my solemn duty to own, maintain and have the working knowledge to efficiently operate a military style weapon to safeguard and protect the freedoms set fort in the constitution.

The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the Untied States reads, " A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free stare, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed". Essentially, that statement effectively makes the American citizens an armed police force. It is the fundamental duty of every American to police there own government, protecting the freedom if their fellow man against an overreaching, tyrannical government. As a nation, we have failed in this mandate. We have ceases to exercise our authority and in the process, we have become a nation if subjects rather then a nation of citizens.

I may be only 15, but I have a vision of what this country could become if we are willing to exercise our authority as free men. The Constitution is our Magna Charta, our Great Charter, and the 2nd  Amendment is it's enforcement. But, we must choose- will we converge on Runnymede and demand our freedom or will we condemn ourselves and our children to a life of peasantry in the service of our Lords and Masters?

Today, we make a stand. We choose what is good, what is right. We choose liberty and freedom and a future.  We choose to govern ourselves and bear the responsibilities and consequences of freedom. In the words if J. Michael Straczynski;

" Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tells you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth and tell the whole world- NO, you Move!"








Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Radio Silence

I will be going silent for a time.  Hopefully it won't be long - but as we all find out at point or another, when it rains, it pours.

Sir Knight and I have been burdened with a fairly heavy tax bill this year, argh!  It is highly annoying, but we are managing.  Our belts have tightened to the point of suffocation but God is good and we always have what we NEED.  

Yesterday my computer up and quit - with no warning!  Maid Elizabeth did manage to recesitate it long enough for me to download some documents to a thumb drive that I would have been bereft without (including a novel that I have been writing) and backup everything important.  

At this point a new computer is not on the top of our priority list.  With that in mind, please forgive my anticipated "Radio Silence".  I will post as I am able (I am writing this on a borrowed iPad), including Miss Serenity's speech for the 2nd Amendment rally, however my posts will be few and far between.


Also, my opportunity to return emails is limited - I can only use our phone.  If you email, I will do my best to send you at least a few lines.

Until then,

Enola and Family

P.S.  I have such incredibly wonderful readers!  Your concern is so appreciated, but really, we are doing just fine.  Taxes are an inconvenience, but nothing more.  We are blessed beyond measure and want for nothing.  I am just waiting for a bit to take my computer in to the smart folks at the Genius Bar and have them take a look.  As with everybody else, it is just a matter of budgeting my time and money properly.  Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement.  You are all wonderful gifts.


Thursday, April 10, 2014

The Valley of Runnymede


John Lackland (so named because his father did not deed him any land) was the younger brother of Richard Coeur de Lion - the lion hearted - and usurper to the English throne.  He was wicked and cruel and his greed knew no boundaries.  His lust for money and power was insatiable.  He routinely had the leading men of his country tortured and killed in order to seize their wealth and exercise his complete and total dominion.

From the safety of Windsor Castle, John Lackland commanded the country people to drive their cattle into camp to supply his soldiers with food.  For the people of Wales, this was one act of tyranny too many.  They refused.  In retaliation, King John seized 28 sons of the chief families and imprisoned them.  With their blood boiling, the Welshmen flew to arms.  Their insubordination quickly resulted in the summary execution of the sons of Wales.  King John had decisively subdued a rebellion and secured his position as Lord and King.  Or had he?

The year is 1215.  The barons and lords have organized themselves into a great army.  In fact, they called themselves the "Army of God".  They will no longer be subject to the King and his tyranny.   They have sent their demands to King John, who, with great oaths and swearing, refuses to grant them liberties.  The Barons determine that if the king will not grant their petition, they will secure it by the sword.

Although a tyrant, King John is also a coward.  He fears being seized by the "Army", and sends word the the Barons that he will meet them at Runnymede, on the 15th of June, and grant what they desire.

The "Army of God" ascends on the Valley of Runnymede.  All of the great men of England are present - lords and barons and nobles.  They wear coats of mail and carry swords and lances.  They are there to obtain freedom and liberty.  They will not take "NO" for an answer.

The Barons produce a great parchment detailing their demands.  Upon its signing it will become the law of the land.  Amidst the vast legion of armed men, King John puts his name and seal to this great document, not even reading its contents.  It is the Magna Charta - the Great Seal - and it is the first document granting freedom and liberty to the people.

Tyrants, whether they take the form of a single Monarch or of a vast government, will never willingly give up their power and authority.  No amount of debating, talking or cajoling will cause them to release their iron grip on the rights of the people.   Their force can only be met by a united people demanding their liberty.

Our Runnymede may well be in a valley in Nevada.  Our Great Charter has already been drafted, signed and sealed - all that is required is an army, dressed in mail, armed with swords and possessing the hearts of free men.

* I wrote this about the current events happening at the Bundy Ranch in Nevada.  I must admit that I do not think that the "mob" mentality that is currently being displayed will do anything to encourage or achieve liberty.  Restraint and strength, a discipline of the tongue, will always yield results worthy of truly free men.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Getting Ready for Spring.....and Pugliese



We have been busy, busy, busy getting ready for spring!  There are so many things to be done.  Miss Serenity helped me varnish the English garden hives that we bought (the bees should be here the end of the month) and Master Hand Grenade is building raised beds and helping repair various things around the homestead.  Today, he replaced a pane of glass that had fallen out of the cold frame.  It was just held in with silicone and little else, so he scraped the old sealant out of the frame, replaced the glass, put two screws in each side (for added support) and re-siliconed the glass in place.  After Princess Dragon Snack and I weeded, we added some chicken manure, watered it a bit and will patiently wait for a week or two before planting.  I can't wait to see seedling popping their heads out of the warm, moist earth!

Varnished Hive

Repaired Cold Frame
Even though the evenings are longer, I have been settling in to read a bit here and there.  Currently, I am making my way through "Starting Right With Bees".  It was published in the 40's and is chock full of great information.  Maid Elizabeth brought it home for me after a recent excursion to a local antique store.  I can say with some authority that it was worth every penny of the $2 asking price!

Light Evening Reading
In between all of the spring clean-up, I have been baking for my family (I know, a real surprise!).  Last night we feasted.  We partook of a decadent meal of grilled chicken breast and homemade fettuccine Alfredo accompanied by a  fresh loaf of Pugliese, a regional Italian bread.  Not a word was spoken as we ate, but the dinner table was far from silent.  Contented groans came from every corner!  That is nothing short of music to a cooks ear!

Please bear with me as I write when I get a chance.  If I'm not writing, you can be assured that I'm up to my elbows in dirt, or bees or building!  I'll keep you posted.


Pugliese

10 1/2 C bread flour
2 T salt
2 T yeast
1 tsp. sugar
4 C water, warm
1/2 C olive oil (Extra Virgin - the good green stuff!)

Mix together the water, sugar and yeast.  Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes or until it starts to become foamy (sponging).  Add 1/2 the flour and all of the salt and mix.  Add the olive oil (the better quality oil, the better the bread).  Continue to add flour until the dough is soft but not sticky and holds its shape.  Knead for 10 minutes or until it becomes very smooth and elastic.

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl.  Cover with a dish towel and allow to rise at room temperature, away from drafts, until the dough has doubled in size, 1 to 3 hours.

Gently turn out the dough onto a greased baking sheet, without punching it down.  Gently pull out the sides of the dough, then tuck them underneath to make a neat, pillow-like round loaf.  Do this several times, but do not knead the dough, punch it down, or turn it over.

Cover the dough with a dish towel and let rise, away from drafts, until it has almost doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.  During the last 15 minutes of rising, heat the oven to 450°.  Lightly dust the loaf with flour.  Bake the bread for 20 minutes at 450° then lower the oven temperature to 375° and bake for 25 to 35 minutes longer, or until the loaf is nicely browned and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.

Makes 1 LARGE loaf.


Ready for the Oven


Warm and Savory