Finding the Blessings Beyond Our Comfort Zones

I went back to school this summer — 18th-century singing school, that is! And it was amazing. Now, I can’t sing nor can I read notes.

So to say I was out of my comfort zone is an understatement. But I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to spend a weekend at East Field Village, a campus of authentic 18th-century buildings where, with no electric or running water, people are invited each summer to a Colonial College — learning skills from a time gone by.

This course was about shape note singing which was popular in New England during the 1700s and early 1800s. What I learned, though, was more about how important it is to welcome others and no matter how different we all are, when we join our hearts and voices together, we can make amazing music. I learned some other valuable lessons as well — like how important it is to try something that we feel totally unskilled at. 🙂

So come! Step back in time with me. I can’t wait to share what has been on my heart. After our time together, drop me a note. I would love to hear your thoughts — and I would love to hear your stories on how you once challenged yourself to learn something new.

Blessings!

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

August 1 is a big day here at Old Stone Well Farm. It is the celebration of Swiss National Day, the Swiss equivalent to our Fourth of July.

But this year I discovered that August 1 is also Lammas Day, which means Loaf Mass Day. It was a time to celebrate the beginning of the harvest by making a loaf of bread from the grain and have it blessed at a local church.

Since I tried my hand at growing wheat at the farm for the first time, I decided to embrace Lammas Day, and Lammastide (which is an entire season of harvesting).

I harvested some of my wheat and, I look forward to making bread out it!

As I was gathering the wheat, though, I was thinking a lot about how beautifully God provides for us. We pray for God to give us our daily bread, and He does.

But this summer, though, I have found myself forgetting about God’s promise. I have been worrying about my tomorrows. I have been questioning, “Will my family have enough?” I am sure I am not the only one who worries about this.

And so, if you find yourself worrying…or just need to take a break from your reality right now…pull up a chair and come to my 18th-century rural home in Vermont for some conversation and friendship. It is great to have you join me especially for Swiss National Day! Blessings!