Christmas – Desired Haven Farm

Oh Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree…

I love Christmas trees! I would have one in every room if my hubby let me! I love Christmas, and celebrating Jesus, and I think it’s a worthy goal to celebrate all month long.

This year, our Christmas tree adventure wasn’t all that great. It was 7 degrees outside and I was cold. We rushed down a row of trees, the kids pointing to every one and shouting ‘this one looks good!’ Andrew kept looking at the next tree and the next tree. I finally just stopped at a tree and said ‘cut this one down!’ He thought there might just be another good one farther down but I didn’t care. It took less than 10 minutes, we were mostly frozen, but we got a tree.

Watching the kids pull out their ornaments from every year and remembering how old they were and where they got it, just fills my heart. I used to crave the perfectly decorated tree with matching ornaments, bows, and garland. But I’ve gotten over that and love our mismatched assortment of ornaments that all mean something to my family. I look at each ornament and remember the trip we took, or the baby we were blessed with that year. And my tree has deep meaning throughout the Christmas season because of that.

There’s something so magical about sitting in the living room in the dark (which comes around really early in December in Minnesota) and having the lights of the tree and the glow of the fire. It always reminds me of Jesus who is the Light of the World and commands us to be the same.

When it’s dark and cold and the blustery north wind is howling against our house, the lights on the tree warm our hearts and show us how important it is to shine our light brightly to those around us in this dark world. The darker the world and sin, the brighter Jesus shines in and through us.

This Christmas season, I hope you find time to sit, to ponder, and to truly fall in love with the Light of the World, the reason for the season, Jesus.

Remember the Shepherds

It’s Christmas! Merry merry Christmas to all our family and friends!

We’ve had three days of celebrating and have loved every minute of it. My favorite was yesterday when Andrew and I and our kids were together for the whole day. We worshipped at church where our beautiful daughter-in-law sang, ate good food, opened gifts, read the Christmas story, ate lots of candy, opened books and spent time reading, played games, and just enjoyed one another’s company.

As we ponder the Christmas story this year, our pastor focused a bit on the shepherds. What I love about the Bible is that every single line, every event, every person is significant. And if you understand the depth and significance and weight each thing carries, it just magnifies the truth of it all.

Why shepherds? Why were they the first to be told of the Savior’s birth? Why not the priests? The elite? The rich? Why the shepherds?

Did you know it matters?

The shepherds were considered the lowliest of lows. They were known as the unforgivables because it was generally believed they stole from their neighbors by letting their sheep graze in other’s property and then not paying it back. They weren’t allowed in the temple to worship because of this. No one considered them to even be thought of by God.

But God. He sent his angel to tell the shepherds first that He’d sent His Son to earth. And the message was so important.

“Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy for ALL people.”

Not only did God send His angel to the shepherds but He gave them a message that was sure to directly include them. This is for ALL people. Even you. The lowliest of lows.

Isn’t God great?

Remember the shepherds this Christmas if you’re feeling less than perfect. Maybe you’ve looked at too many Instagram posts of matching jammies and picture perfect decorating. Maybe you hardly had any money because you’re a first time single mama and had to thrift shop for your kids. Maybe you’re all sick in the couch and missing the festivities. Or you’re desperately missing a loved one and having a hard time enjoying the season.

Remember the shepherds.

God included them. He didn’t just include them, he put those who were last in society first. He told them first, He sent them to His son first, and He gave them the important job of telling everyone else.

God didn’t think the shepherds were unworthy. He loved them so much He sent His only son to them to save them.

And God met the shepherds right where they were, dirty, alone, cold, with no friends but each other and their flocks. God didn’t care that their tunics were dirty or their sheep had grazed in the wrong area. It didn’t bother God that no one else gave them the time of day.

Guess what? God doesn’t care if your house is Pinterest worthy. It doesn’t matter to Him if you have a three day old sweatshirt on with baby spit-up on the shoulder. He’s happy to come into your home even if the wrapping paper is still all over the floor (here) or your kids have only eaten candy for three days (yep) or your tired and sad and lonely.

None only does it not matter to Him, he WANTS to come in. He wants to give you the good news of great joy.

It’s for you.

All you have to do is believe it.

Dolls and Dreams

One of my most vivid Christmas memories is of the Christmas when I was 13. My mom thought my sister and I were collecting dolls so she put a small doll in each of our stockings. That Christmas morning we got up, excited to see what was in our stocking and I remember pulling that doll out, starting at it, and crying. I cried because it was the last thing I wanted. Them I cried because I made my mom feel bad. I kept that doll for a long time and actually really cherished it.

I think I came to realize how my mom had tried really hard to know what my sister and I were into. The thought really does count.

I’ve learned over the years that my top love language is gifts. I love to give others presents and really think about what they’d like and use. I love getting gifts too, but my real joy comes in giving them.

There’s another side of me though. I really dislike clutter and stuff in my house. And with 12 people living here, well, stuff accumulates faster than baby rabbits.

Something we’ve started doing is paying for a condo at the Dells for a few days as our gift to our kids. It’s an amazing way to spend time with them, give them something special, and not accumulate more than memories. I hope and pray this tradition can continue for years!

This Christmas the best gift I have received was my son coming home from the Marines and all my family being together under one roof. I wouldn’t need anything else this Christmas. My heart is full!

All my kids (and grandkid) in one place ❤

As I thought about how happy it makes me to have all my kids home, it got me thinking about the future. Someday more of my kids will move out and some will likely marry and have children. They will have their own lives which is awesome and wonderful and what we raise them to do.

But, I’ll always want them to want to come home. So that got me pondering what makes them want to come home. Social media will push perfect, Parade of Homes worthy houses, perfect decorating and flawless food.

Don’t fall for that and get stressed! It’s not true!

Here’s what it takes to have them want to come home: relationship. Always put your relationship with your kids before activities, events, work, projects, decorating, even cooking. Make it a priority to listen to your kids and be interested in what they like. Encourage them in their dreams and be excited as they pursue them!

I think the worst thing I could do is be judgemental of their dreams or cry over their wanting to launch.

Of course, I think there are a few simple homemaking things that help people feel comfortable in your home. I’ll share those next time. But those should never outweigh desiring a good relationship with your kids!

Focus

It’s the end of 2023. Can you believe it? The days seem to be racing by all too quickly. I’m trying to savor December and the Christmas season this year by just being present and enjoying how my kids wonder at the lights, presents, music, and cookies. I’ve been silent on my blog for a bit as I have been processing and praying over my writing.

I feel like I’ve finally narrowed my vision and goal for my writing, which I think every writer needs to do. It’s not easy. I think one of my hesitations in narrowing my focus is leaving people out and not relating to others. But realistically, no matter what, I won’t meet everyone where they are at and won’t relate to all.

As I’ve prayed over it, my focus has narrowed to what I’m passionate about. Serving my family in the mission field where God has placed me – my home and encouraging other mamas who are there as well. Teaching my kids at home and supporting those who have made that decision. Living as sustainable a life as we can by growing, raising, and making things from and on our property.

It may seem like it’s not much different than before. And maybe it’s not. It’s just clearer in my mind now and I’m excited for it! Everyone is always welcome to come, read, think, engage, and contact me, whether you live this way or not! Maybe you’re wondering and dreaming of this life. Well, hopefully I can encourage you on!

Welcome. Or maybe I should say, welcome back! Let’s journey together!

While we’re on the subject of focusing our efforts, how are you focusing this Christmas season? Are you stopping? Are you breathing? Are you sitting still in the dark by your tree with lights on? I hope so!

We often think of Christmas as the time when a sweet baby was born, angels sang, shepherds stared in awe, and wise men brought presents. This year I’ve been thinking a lot about why. He came not to be a sweet baby, not to melt our hearts with his cuteness, not to receive gifts.

He came to be ridiculed for his ideas and teachings. He came to be tortured at the hands of the most experienced torturers. He came to be betrayed, forgotten, left, spit on, sneered at. And he came to die the worst death the Romans had ever invented, one saved for the worst of the worst.

He also came to overcome. Not necessarily earthly obstacles, but heavenly ones. He came to give you and me the opportunity to be in Paradise with him.

There’s focus for you! An unyielding spirit and focus no matter the consequences! Jesus never wavered. For you. For me. Because he loves us that much. His love was so great, his focus was set and secure. That’s focus!

Christmas Time!

Merry Christmas!

I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t like winter. I just survive it. My fireplace has helped the last few years to boost me along, but this winter it’s been in need of repair. I finally have it fixed, just in time for Christmas!

I know some are struggling this season. I have a friend who’s marriage is falling apart, another who’s dad just passed away, and others who are missing family members stationed in unknown locations. I don’t take it lightly that I had all my family under one roof for Christmas Eve.

Isaiah made it home from California amidst a horrible blizzard and cold snap!

Samuel and Liv braved the drifts and slept over, which was so fun! Andrew and I woke up Christmas Eve morning and the first comments we made were how good it was to have everyone under our roof. We felt so blessed!

Lots of gifts were exchanged, lots of cookies were eaten, lots of games were played. We all had a wonderful time and I’m so thankful for this clan the Lord has given us.

Merry Christmas!

Names of Jesus

Christmas season is upon us!

Andrew and I have asked each other numerous times over the past month, how is it the end of the year? How did it all go by so quickly? And now we have to think of Christmas?

I love Christmas and I’ve grown to love it more every year. I love the lights and decorations, although this year we haven’t decorated much yet with all the remodeling going on.

I really love picking out gifts for my kids and friends. I’m a gift giver at heart. I love to think about what a person needs or would like. I love to wrap it and hand it to them. I love to see their joy if I’ve done a good job. And it’s impossible for me to stay within budget. Sorry, hon.

The gifts have had to find strange places to live as I wrap them. We don’t even have a tree yet!

What I love most of all, though, about this season is setting our hearts and minds on Jesus. I know there are a lot of people in this world today who don’t know or love Jesus. I know there are a lot of people in this world today who have been hurt by people who claim to be Christian. I know there are a lot of people in this world who choose to live by their own truths, standards, and beliefs.

But as for me and my house…

I’m sure many look at us as strange and different. They probably don’t know what to do with us. By most people’s reactions to our family I’m sure they are stupefied.

Ah, but wasn’t Jesus strange and different. He sure ruffled a few feathers when he walked this earth. He’s still ruffling feathers. And if you don’t seem strange or odd or different from the culture, why not? Has He, the Savior, changed you? Have you allowed Him to?

This Christmas season is the perfect time to dig into that. How can I reflect on Jesus and open my heart to Him in such a way that I am changed? How can I point my kids towards the One who can heal, fill the holes in their heart, and change them for the better?

While I love the lights and gifts and anticipation on the Christmas season, I hope my kids see deeper than all those things. I pray they see The True Love, The Eternal Light, The Perfect Gift. I hope I see Him and can focus on Him more than everything else!

This year we’re studying the names of Jesus, one each day leading up to Christmas. It’s been so joy-filled everyday so far and we all look forward to learning a new name each day.

I purchased this from Lacewing Creative.

Not only is it pointing our hearts and minds towards the real reason for the season but it’s becoming a beautiful Christmas decoration for our unfinished living room too!

In whatever way you celebrate the season, I hope and pray you take time to reflect on Jesus and who He is, what He’s done for you, and how He can change you! We wouldn’t even have this amazing holiday without Him!

Christmas Tree Day

It’s Christmas tree day!

Now mind you, we were all getting ready to go out and cut down the tree, when I spied a couple of my men with guns. Yeah, guns. What in the world do we need guns for? I don’t remember needing those to cut down a tree.

“Operation red squirrel took priority,” stated Andrew matter-of-factly. Okay…can we just go cut down our tree??

This year is unique. For one, we just had a baby four days ago. For two, we have a shed leaving our property.

What does that have to do with a Christmas tree? Well, since mama is still in recovery mode, we didn’t want to travel far for a tree. We usually go to a sweet little tree farm about a half hour away to pick our tree. That’s not far, except when you’ve just given birth! An hour drive for a tree didn’t sound like something I could manage this year. Of course the family could have gone without me, but where’s the fun in that?!

Here’s where the shed enters in. There’s an old grain shed on our property that just sits empty. It’s actually a really neat old building. I love the old wood, wondering about the different people who used it and the different ways it was used. I love the old hay smell. You can just feel the history when you walk in. But since it sits empty and we have long term plans for that spot, we decided to sell it. And this fall it’s moving off our property. To move it, the farmer who is taking it has to cut down a number of trees on the west side of our property. Hence, the Christmas tree right on our own property.

So, just a little walk, in the bright sunshine this afternoon and we have our tree! It was such a gorgeous day, the sun even still felt warm on our faces. The kids found hiking sticks, because you know, it was such a long walk. Andrew got to use the chainsaw, which always makes him happy! And I got outside, which I haven’t done in quite a few days. All in all, a great “field trip”.

You know how the tree always looks smaller when it’s outside??

Yeah, it’s a little full! Might take a bit of trimming…

God is good, isn’t He? He provided a tree free and easily that we wouldn’t have otherwise considered. It’s not perfectly groomed, and we may not fit through the doorway next to it, but it’ll be a family memory we’ll never forget, guns and all!

Happy Christmas tree day!