The front yard garden was hit by a hail storm last night. It was hard to wake up to the destruction.  With a thankful, but heavy heart I surveyed the damage. Swiss Chard, Kale,collards, Brussels sprouts and spinach were shredded. The onions looked like a giant had stomped on them and about half of the new little tomato plants had perished. Let me just say right now that my little milk carton shelters for my tomato plants were NO match for this storm! I harvested all the damaged veggies, gave some away and cooked the rest for dinner. You win some, you lose some. You can tell where my priorities are by my reaction to my neighbor’s question. She asked, “How are your cars? Did they get damaged?” To which I automatically replied, “Oh I haven’t checked that yet, but my veggies are in shreds!” What can I say, I am a gardener through and through.

I am also reading an Easter book with the kids in homeschool titled Vinegar Boy by Alberta Hawse. I highly recommend it. In the story, as parallels our week, they reflect on the time leading up to the crucifixion of our Savior. I feel saddened when I think of the pain and sacrifice Christ made on my behalf.

We are awaiting the celebration on Sunday, as we relive His rising from the grave, victorious over death!  Before I became a Christian and was searching, I entered a bible study at my friend’s church. After listening for several weeks I said to the other women, ” I am sorry, I can clearly see that your faith means A LOT to you all.  I don’t mean to insult you, but I just don’t get it. I don’t understand how this man, who lived LONG ago, was tortured and died, stepped in for MY sin. I don’t even know how that can happen?

I will never forget what they said to me. They didn’t try to explain it to me or prove it. They simply said, “Go home, get down on your knees and bring these questions before your Father. He loves you and is surely BIG enough to answer your questions.” I took their advice. I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN!

I met God that very night and was introduced to His Son. I live a new life of abundant JOY because I have accepted Christ as my Savoir! Please email me or share in the comments if you would like prayer. I would feel honored to go to the Father on your behalf!

In this after storm state and week of somber reflection, I thought a new project was just what was needed,a new beginning. There was one place left in my front yard garden reserved for my herb garden, so I got to work constructing it.

I plan on planting flowers and herbs in the holes in the cement cinder blocks bordering the bed. Because herbs like a well drained spot, I added a bag of perlite and peat moss. The rest is made up of manure rich compost and bagged garden soil. I can’t wait to start sinking my herbs in. I look forward to the favorites; basil, thyme, oregano. I also feel called to study the lost art of medicinal herbs. Looking forward to sharing this new adventure with you! Those that know me well, know that I am not able to afford health insurance at this time. Healing through food and herbal medicines take on a whole new interest and level of commitment when you do not have health insurance! I would love to take a course on herbal medicines some day.  

What is your new project this Spring? Hoping no hail storms come your way! Dash & family