A Treasure Hunt Through The Past

Having a right relationship with the past is a timely topic. I attended my 25th class reunion just this past weekend.

I told myself, the morning of, that I wasn't the least bit nervous. Yet, I exhibited a terrible rash on my forehead and I had a terrible belly ache.

Deciding where to sit for the picnic and wondering who to chat with after the meal brought back a few childhood fears. Still, it was a very pleasant event.

This morning's "cup of tea with Carol" by Bible teacher Carol McLeod suggested taking a treasure hunt through the past.

"We all have things in our past that we're not happy about. We all have things and events and people who didn't treat us right. We all have made choices that we're not proud of.

But listen...every day of your life you're going to have some kind of relationship with your past.

Never look back at your past with shame or regret, because that ties you to your past in an unhealthy way. And that's not the purpose of your past.

When you look at all of your life before today, you need to go on a treasure hunt to look for God's goodness, for his faithfulness, for the way's he blessed you, even when you didn't like all of your circumstances. Because I can tell you, that if you look, you can find the fingerprint of God in all of your days before today."

A Girl's Day Out

I was surprised to find out that it was really quite enjoyable to attend a large, Christian music festival...alone (it was a shame not to use the other three passes. Despite my efforts, I couldn't find anyone who wanted to go with me).

So I danced in the "World's Largest Electric Slide, " slipped in and out of venues, and browsed the merchandise tent at my leisure.

I found the message by women's speaker, Carol McLeod, refreshing and uplifting. Because I was alone, I could soak it up without having to think of commentary.

I did leave the festival in the early evening to pick up a boy with an injured back. I ate chocolate chips and peanut butter from the can while sitting on the couch (alone), and then fell into bed, exhausted, by 8:30 p.m.

It was a great day.

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Fair v WestBerry Mom

The Fair is still in session and I'm home in bed, sick and exhausted. Once again, the Fair got the best of me.

I tried to stay on top of the dirt, food, running, camping, socializing...

But here I am, down for the count.

I could really use a pep talk. And some Pepto.

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Casual

There's something missing from The Fair this year. Criticism is largely absent, and it's wonderful!

My childhood Fair experiences were filled with "not enough." The animals weren't clean enough. I didn't stay in the cow barn long enough.

This generation of Fair officials and parents seems stretched for time but generous with smiles and encouragement.

I wonder if we haven't sacrificed in the quality of our exhibits some. The wire for banners hasn't yet been strung and it's already Day 4. There's mud on the barn floor. The basket raffle was canceled.

It is, I'll admit, painful to lower my standards

But if the tradeoff is less stress and more joy, I'm in. People seem to be socializing more. The children are caring and cooperative toward one another.

It's a softer place to land. A more casual Fair.

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Christmas Eve in July (x2?!)

Pastor Eric gently reminded us last Sunday that our children look forward to Old Fashioned Day almost as much as they look forward to Christmas. 

It Is a wonderful event. There are carriage rides, toys to build and take, treats galore, and games. We sing, dance, feast, and laugh. The village is filled with friends, good conversation, and historical demonstrations. I love to play with wool and watch guests delight in the flowers and woven baskets.

I've been busy costuming the four boys. The ladies of the church baked 250 pies between yesterday and today. The cooler is stocked with bottled water for tomorrow, the big day. Mr. Westberrydad serves as the village blacksmith and it's a hot job.

We also have to take animals to the Fair tomorrow (and a boy across the state to camp.) The little ones just reported that the love the Fair second to Christmas. They are nervous and giddy with excitement.

I'm already exhausted on the eve of these events, so much so that I keep confusing my words. Today I lost a debit card. The washing machine broke.

Oh July holidays!

Pre-Fair Preparations

In the photo below, our oldest son is seen preparing his sheep for show. He can shear, train, and wash animals on his own and has for many years. Now he and his brother are "grown up" with full time jobs. Their involvement in the Fair is minimal.

The two younger boys are just starting off as showmen. Last night we pulled their show sheep out of the pasture and put them into a separate pen. Then we spent some time trying to teach two small boys and two Spring lambs how to walk in a circle. 

I sent them to daycare today with homework...diagrams of sheep body parts and poster making supplies. 

I call this the "lots of crying" phase of Fair preparations. We heard cries from frustration, from the heat and hard work, and from the pain of toes getting stepped on (lesson #1 don't wear flip flops). Our new sheep have horns and yes, they know how to use them!

I feel as if I'm heading into something completely new, as opposed to yet "another year at the Fair." It's great fun to watch these two learn and grow. This year, they aren't just tagging along. 

Everything You (I) Do

This picture illustrates how I usually feel by oh, the third day of the County Fair. 

Then again, just getting ready for the Fair is stressful. Supplies are expensive. We are under pressure to perform well. There's no help from any direction (which makes me feel resentful because people show up to watch the shows and have a good time but there is never anyone around when we are desperate for help).

I eat and breathe that resentment every year and it ain't pretty.

Yesterday I heard this song by Steven Curtis Chapman. It reminded me to do everything as if for Christ. If I we can keep this as our focus, our attitudes could be much brighter. Here's to a Fair Week during which we are models of patience.

Lyrics...

Maybe your that guy with the suit and tie
Maybe your shirt says your name

You may be hooking up mergers
Cooking up burgers
But at the end of the day

Little stuff
Big stuff
In between stuff
God sees it all the same

While I may not know you
I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all?
Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you
To do

Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every thing you do