If winter has found me.........

If winter has found me...I must be special! I sit amongst the woody forest floor and gaze up to through the bare tree limbs looking for God. I close my eyes and envision Him sitting on a branch biding me to come up and join Him. I would like to spend more time with Him and soak up all the delights of the kingdom, as for today, I will only hope for a time soon to polish off my old scholarly books and delve into His Word!

Winter's Day

What a delicious day to stay inside and cocoon with projects, hot drinks and family! The weather is turning frightful by the minute and I am so happy I have a supply of winter delights to bake and decorate. Merry Christmas season and a Blessed New Year!

Where have I been.....

I use to be so proficient and timely...I've been spending too much time in the garden!

A New Day...

Haven't been on post for several months, busy as usual! Thinking about writing again Jane! Do tell all!

A Midwinter thought...

It has been quite some time since I have written to you my dear friend. It comes as no surprise that I have been detained at Pemberley with Eliza. We have been busy decorating the new library wing dedicated to her late father Mr. Bennett. With some flair of equinimity, we have captured the essense of dear Mr. Bennett and she is very well pleased indeed.

I have witnessed the marriage of Colonel Darcy Fitzwilliams and his bride Sophia. She is quite a specimen of unfavored attributes and I must say, she is quite adept of speaking her mind, which by all accounts is very vexing.

I am going to lay up all my feelings for her as I cease to consider her as an aquaintance. Please forgive my informality as to speaking such, but I can not help myself nor surpress my opinions to you my dear.

My friend and I are now about to leave and go visit the creamery down the lane, and I don't want to keep her and her daughter Miranda.

Please give my regards to the eldest Mr. Roper!

My best,

Fall Arrives Again...

My life has vastly improved upon our last acquaintance. With the coming of fall I find myself working harder that even at the Bed and Breakfast that Imogene has established near Ambleside.

We daily attend to the needs of our guests, making sure that the bread is baked and the meals are prompt. We rise daily about 4 a.m. to allow enough time for the morning meal to be ready before the coach disembarks from the Bromley Post at 7 a.m. sharp!

I find that my dear daughter has taken a position with Mr. Johnson’s dry goods Shoppe, back home. Her husband, I might also add, is attending school at Oxford. He has great hopes of graduating University and becoming an MP. But, before that he wishes to become a clergyman on the Devonshire Estate in Sussex. He wants to have a relationship with the local folk and learn about the poverty and suffering before he tries to represent them.

My son on the other hand has a great business in the city of London. He still does his “roof thatching” as a side occupation, and is quite good, but his true gift is engineering. I am so proud of all three of them.

The weather is upon change. The leaves on the trees are falling and the cycle of life will again repeat itself for another year. How I wonder at the events that we take so commonly. These are but great miracles that only a great God can perform!

Please send my regards to the Mr. and Mrs. Bringham at the great house at Stokes, I miss them indeed.

You are ever so kind to keep me updated on the goings on in your village. Again, this should reach you by the week following next.

Blessings,

A Luncheon with Friends!

It has been quite some time since I last corresponded with you and I must truly beg for your forgiveness! With all the work around the bed and breakfast and the comings and goings of daily routine, my time has swiftly dissipated!

I hope that you are in good health and that of your family also. We dined this day at Lupine Manor. It is nestled among the great Yew trees near the sea. Yes, Imogene, myself, and Elizabeth were invited to a very lovely afternoon repast of cucumber sandwiches, aromatic tea from the West Indies, and delicious strawberries fresh from the garden. Oh, how I wish that you could have been with us today!

We arrived smartly dressed in our finest of afternoon gowns with our hair decorated with colorful ribbons and fresh flowers. Our host and hostess were recently in town and wore the latest fashion from London. We all looked very well dressed indeed!

The weather was most delightful, so we took our meal al fresco in the gardens where we listened to the songs of ever so many birds. I look back on this fine day with pleasure and hope that someday you will be able to join us here in Sommerville. Until next time, I wish you well.

This should reach you in the village by coach within the month. Good hearing from you also.

Blessings!

Beyond Worry

by Steve Arterburn

So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31-34 NIV

It’s hard to build character when we’re worrying about everything in sight. But because life is sometimes difficult, and because we have understandable fears about the uncertainty of the future, we still manage to fret over the countless details of everyday life. We may worry about our relationships, our finances, our health, our habits, or any number of potential problems, some large and some small.

If you’re a “worrier” by nature, it’s probably time to rethink the way that you think! Perhaps you’ve formed the unfortunate habit of focusing too intently on negative aspects of life while spending too little time counting your blessings. If so, take your worries to God . . . and leave them there. When you do, you’ll learn to worry a little less and to trust God a little more—and that’s as it should be because God is trustworthy, you are protected, and your future can be intensely bright.

Much that worries us beforehand can, quite unexpectedly, have a happy and simple solution. Worries just don’t matter. Things really are in a better hand than ours. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now. Elisabeth Elliott

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. George Mueller

Bathe each day in prayer! Trying to carry the weight of tomorrow with today’s grace will clip your wings and keep you from soaring. Annie Chapman

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1 NKJV

Character builder

Assiduously divide your areas of concern into two categories: those you can control and those you cannot. Resolve never to waste time or energy worrying about the latter.

Good Morrow again!

I am quite beside myself! I have let my cottage to the Hamilton’s from Chipping Campden and I am moving! Yes, me! May you become aware of my delight and excitement at this most recent posting. Yes, I have had a very long time deciding whether or not to live alone here in the village. I have decided to move into the Bed and Breakfast in Ambleside with my good friend Imogene!

Well, it will be a great feat indeed to move the lot of possessions I have acquired over my lifetime. When, my new home is in view, I plan to seek those in the village that could get good use out of my things. You see, some are of sentimental value to me, but most of them are not. Isn’t that just delightful! I have learned over these many years that it is not the possessions that make us happy but the friends in which we surround ourselves and the many blessings we can be to them.

So having related all these things to you, I have made arrangements for all the animals to stay and be of some use for the Hamilton’s. The chickens will bare delicious brown eggs, my cows, milk, and the sheep wonderful wool to spin for warm clothing in the winter. And besides all this I will have an income from the letting of my cottage.

Imogene has long inquired to my availability to help her full time at the Bed and Breakfast and since we are both widowed, it will be a way to have a friend to count on in time of need, a sympathetic heart, and a good listener. I think that we all desire someone we can relate to and she has been my nearest and dearest friend all these many years!

If I could I would invite you to come and spent a fortnight with us to enjoy the village of Sommerville, you are most welcome and I hope that you will accept as soon as you can make the traveling arrangements by coach. Imogene fondly talks of you, and why not be a part of this big event! She is ever so excited about the possibility of you coming, so please, keep us informed by the next post. Oh, by the way, your letters are most appreciated and well written. Your hand writing is so delicate and your words so very thoughtful.

When you receive this letter, I will be ensconced in my new home, please pray for me friend as I am traveling in my own small equipage with a fine neighbor and friend who will be accompanying me on the journey. Well bless you my friend and God be with you.

Building Character In Silence

By Steve Arterburn http://www.newlife.com/

Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him. Psalm 37:7 HCSB

Here’s a simple little prescription for character-building: carve out a little time for silence every day. Here in our noisy, 21st-century world, silence is highly underrated. Many of us can’t even seem to walk from the front door to the street without a cell phone or an iPOD in our ear. The world seems to grow louder day by day, and our senses seem to be invaded at every turn. But, if we allow the distractions of a clamorous society to separate us from God’s peace, we do ourselves a profound disservice. So if we’re wise, we make time each day for quiet reflection. And when we do, we are rewarded.

Do you take time each day for an extended period of silence? And during those precious moments, do you sincerely open your heart to your Creator? If so, you will be blessed. If not, then the struggles and stresses of everyday living may rob you of the peace that should rightfully be yours because of your personal relationship with Christ. So take time each day to quietly commune with your Creator. When you do, those moments of silence will enable you to participate more fully in the only source of peace that endures: God’s peace.

If the pace and the push, the noise and the crowds are getting to you, it’s time to stop the nonsense and find a place of solace to refresh your spirit.
Charles Swindoll

Silence is as fit a garment for devotion as any other language.
C. H. Spurgeon

Jesus taught us by example to get out of the rat race and recharge our batteries.
Barbara Johnson

Growth takes place in quietness, in hidden ways, in silence and solitude. The process is not accessible to observation.
Eugene Peterson

The Lord Jesus, available to people much of the time, left them, sometimes a great while before day, to go up to the hills where He could commune in solitude with His Father. Elisabeth Elliot

Character Builder

Want to talk to God? Then don’t make Him shout. If you really want to hear from God, go to a quiet place and listen. If you keep listening long enough and carefully enough, He’ll start talking.

A Pleasant Week Indeed…

This has been a very pleasant week indeed!

I have done ever so much and delighted in all that I have done. I believe the best part of each day has been savoring each moment by itself. How often we don’t take the time to really take in the moment and hence, lose sight of the significance at that point in time!
It has taken me several years to realize that this is what the LORD had in mind for me, and everyone who believes in the saving grace of Jesus. I have often wondered if I truly knew how special each day has been in my life. With all the bad and good, the mundane and the exciting, my life experiences have balanced out into creating in me a new heart that sees life from a different vantage point.

I see myself standing on a great ridge overlooking a view of a beautiful valley. In this valley are times and places I have visited in my life. It is such an awesome way to chronicle the path your life takes. Over my shoulder is my best friend, Jesus, encouraging me to review and learn from all the things that have happened in my life, telling me that I have much more to learn about Him and showing me His love and the great value that I possess. With His hands on my shoulders, He points here and there explaining why these things had to happen and how he directed my steps as I chose my path. I see His hand and pointed index finger excitedly telling me to look here and there, He is so proud of His daughter and how I have been faithful believing in Him and choosing Him time after time, even when I was criticized and rebuked.

I am not allowed to turn around and face my Master and see my future, but only allowed to look at the precious path before me. As I take each step, it wondrously illuminates the smallest area around me, beautiful and full of Grace. In that area I may pick and choose from the myriad of choices that He gathers before me, do I help here, or take from there, or how do I understand this, some of the choices are not mine at all, but His!

I am so grateful for the experience, understanding, and insight that has allowed me to redirect my thinking along a new and exciting path. Remember, in Romans 12: 1 - 2, the Bible tells us to renew our minds each day and not to be conformed to this world’s thinking - my paraphrase! This information is transforming and lets me think freely without consent of the culture in which I live. I am free to think the things of God and what is important to Him for my life, to understand how to make the choices before me, the true meaning to live in Christ is certainly a breathe of very fresh air!

Today has been spent with a special friend in being a servant to her, taking her to an appointment and running errands with her. I feel my best, when I walk with the LORD down these paths, some that I choose and some that He chooses for me; it is there that I am truly free and filled with His love and peace within my soul. It is there that I am being in His will for my life, I'd like doing this ALL THE TIME!

My Disappearance for this Fortnight...

I’ve been gone for over 9 weeks and haven’t contacted you, well, you will never believe, I had broken my wrist falling off a horse.

Imogene and I were out exercising the horses and a very large red fox scampered out of the brush and frighten my horse, he engaged in a full gallop and my foot slipped out of the stirrup and I went flying off onto the ground. I can tell you, I was in no condition to move, I was very fortunate that I didn’t break more limbs as it was a very nasty fall, I came away with severe bruising all over my body, stiff extremities and a broken arm and wrist where I caught my fall! These many weeks I have been convalescing at Imogene’s bed and breakfast. I can’t tell you how badly I have felt at the inconvenience for Imogene’s sake. I have so much to repay her for! It has been with thanks and gratitude and all her hospitality and care, that I am able to write to you again.

We are about our business again; I finally got a chance to meet with Catherine Wearing and her Mother. She informed me that her Mother was once enlisted into the service of the King as a seamstress, as she spun the tail, I listened with great care as she told me of all the gowns and costumes she had made for the queen and her attendants. My, I was so amazed by the degree of detail of each gown, intricately & delicately stitched, beaded, and embroidered – and all those fittings, my goodness what an ordeal!

Oh, a diversion! There are four little, colorful birds eating at Imogene’s bird feeder just outside the sitting rooms window. Two are eating quite contentedly at the feeder and two are just below on the ground picking up the remainder of the seeds dropping to the ground. The spring flowers are delicate and sweet. Their aroma is drifting through the open window, how delightful.

Anyway, where was I? Ah! Rose, the seamstress, is now in her 80’s and still she is sewing, but not for the King! What a great service to the Empire, to outfit the King!

I have nothing so grand to relate about my past. Just a quiet, peaceful existence - keeping to myself and doing good for those lovely people in my life. I know that God has put people around us to do good for and I know those that are in need in my life. I have had the very good fortune to be retired from public duty; I bet you are surprised that a mere woman should have an occupation in this day and age. Well, I am one of the very few who have ever been used by God to serve in this way. As for what duty I performed for the King, it is never to be mentioned. But, I have been excused from the service to be retired in the country with a full income to feed my livestock and tend my home. How grand!

Well, I think that I have gotten you caught up to date as to the where about’s of my person! You must think me a strange woman to be so bold to write with such alacrity about my past and all the things that have happened since my last writing of March 24th. Well, be advised I shall do my upmost to keep you aware of my person as I finish out my visit to Sommerville.

My arrival at the village will be within the week, as I prepare my gowns into their large trunk awaiting transport by coach!

Be of good cheer, I will see you shortly!

At the Bromley Post...

Here we sit at the Bromley Post! I am so sorry for the delay in my musings! We are ensconsed in the pub where tables are nestled very closely together and we are able to listen to all the other conversations in the room, oh my!!!
The weather here is beautiful, but I see the clouds forming outside. We are having our tea and bisquits late this morning as we are have a day of running our errands, market, stables, general store, baker, etc.
I am estatic to be on my journey visiting my friends here in Sommerville. I have so hoped you could have been with me, but I am sure that these notes will keep you up to date.
Please know that you are missed. Well, goodbye for today!

Up, but not fully awake...

I awoke to gaze out the window of my bedroom and sit at my small writing desk once more. The morning fog has nestled into the valley. Ducks are bundled in a row by the water wheel keeping their feet dry.

Since I have spoken with you last, I have made an appointment with Catherine Wearing for tea later in the day. I found her background fascinating and anxious to know her better.

Imogene has risen and bids me come, to help prepare the morning porridge. I had such a deep sleep last night that I almost feel tired this morning. But, I am dressed and ready to start my day.

I will post more to you later in the day...

Hastily Awakened!...

This morning I arose to the aroma of tea slipping underneath my doorway into my warm upstairs bedroom at the Bed and Breakfast of my dear friend Imogene.

Hastily, I wrapped my dressing gown around my waist and cinched it hard. Bursting through the door and down the staircase, my slippers scuffing along the dark wooden floors; I found myself in the presence of several travelers neatly seated around the tables nestled in the downstairs dining room. I was taken aback; somewhat embarrassed and slipped into a vacant seat lowering my head.

Imogene and one of the servants had assembled and prepared a delicious morning meal of raisin scones, eggs with spices and cheese, tiny diced potatoes that had been boiled and fried – seasoned with green herbs and spices.

Tea was steeping in beautiful porcelain tea pots sitting on the center of each table. I was once told that these particular tea pots were handed down through the years and were nearly a century old! The tablecloths were that of Battenberg lace, delicately embroidered with pink thread. The plates, cups and saucers painted with delicate pink and rose flowers.

A beautiful bird caught my attention out the window by the feeder. Its bright colored beak peaked diligently at the hard round morsels of grain. But, my attention was drawn back into the room when Imogene seated herself at the table and announced that she was to say a blessing. As we bowed our heads, I was reminded of the bounty the Lord has given me in my lifetime and I received this special meal with great gratitude and thanksgiving!

Discussions were lively and animated at the tables. Information was being dispersed and gathered. Events of the day were being passed to and thro amongst the visitors, I just smiled, nodded and continued to eat quietly.

There is something strangely intoxicating about the manner in which I find myself. I ponder all that I have experienced in my life and joy overwhelms me, even though, I have known tragedy and hardship in daily living.

God is a gracious and loving God, trusting in His provision has been daily walk. I am thankful that I have known the care and love of such a magnificent Sovereign!

Our day will be full, I have no doubt. We will attend morning services at the Parrish, then commence to the Henry Womsley residence for afternoon tea…

Sorry to pick up again in my correspondence, we have gone to St Nicholas Church Hall, Elsfield Road, Old Marston, in Sommerville and Vicar Holidaye has spoken on the virtues of having friends that are there to keep us accountable to the ways of the Lord. I was most impressed by the conviction of the Vicar and told him so after the service.

Walking from the Parrish to the Womsley’s we ran into a friend of Imogene’s, her name was Catherine Wearing. She was a very happy lady that I knew in time would become a very good acquaintance. Well, my dear friend, again I will close and write to you soon. Blessings

Here at Last...

Can you imagine my surprise when my dear friend, Imogene was waiting at the Bromley Post for my arrival. I was most delighted!

We have been having great conversations and wonderful adventures, this week hence. I am most dismayed by the hasty retreat the first week has made!

She has a modest little bed and breakfast nestled next to the Ambleside water mill, which I believed a picture is posted next to this letter. Sommerville is a bustling town with a livery, a smitty, the general store with posting services. I find it easy to mail off as many letters to you as I can write.

The stageline is very consistent with it's schedule and arrives daily at the Bromley Post which of course, is right next door to the Bromley Pub. I never partake myself, but, I do see quite a crowd there daily. I am astonished that man can be so persuaded by the spirit demon liquor. What good does it do? I can see none!

Imogene is a fine lady who has had her little Bed and Breakfast for many years. It has several modestly appointed rooms and she serves breakfast, afternoon tea and supper. I have been a great help to her as my visit was timed to replace a servant who was released on suspicious behavior.
I have no doubt that I will learn a great deal about managing such an establishment and may some day turn my little cottage into such a place.

It is about time to go to market and pick up the fresh produce and mutton for the evening meal. I am having a delight and wish you were here. My love to all the family.

Post Script
I have failed to mention previously that my daughter and her husband rented the cute "Lavendar Cottage" in Hawkeshead, in the Lake District. It is the most delicious cottage I have ever seen. They have been staying in a temporary situation with her brother as he is out quite late and often with his work. I believe he will again come a visit me in the summer, which makes a Mother's heart soar!

On Route to Sommerville...

I have forgone my early morning walk around the lake to embark on a visit of a friend in the neighboring village of Sommerville, a days drive from here. I have been in the mood for traveling the countryside. I wish to stay here a month at the earliest and look very much to this visit! She is a fine dear friend who enjoys all the diversions that I engage in.

Miss Farlington is but a year younger than I and I won't devulge that number for it goes beyond the limit of modest propriety. In a day that is rampart of vulgar and lewd thought and decadence, I wish to hold on to the style and grace of the past which elegant females adhered to.

We have currently disinbarked the Overland Route Carriage and now I find myself waiting in the Nautical Pub. The horses were quite tired and I am glad for myself that they are in the process of changing them at this Post. The pub is noisy and quite busy for the mid morning! There are people from all different persuasions. Some very loud and bolsterious, some quite and sedate and even some curiously sitting quietly against the white plastered walls and hard benches that are allowed for the traveler!

I feel quite comfortable sitting among the crowd, reading this fine novel and sipping my hot black tea waiting for the final leg of this journey.

Ah, there they call for the loading of the carraige and I must close for today. I will keep you posted as to the great adventure I will have with my dear friend, Emogene. Please be patient for a lengthy reply to follow within the week. God Bless your day!

I've Been Away...

It has been over a fortnight since I have written. Myself, my daughter and her husband have traveled to the north. He has found a new situation and will be studying to become a Vicar in the village of Dibley, Hawksheade.

It was a perilous journey with much to detain us. Mr. Wiggins and his wife watched the cottage and the animals while I was away. It seems most odd that I have been back. I keep looking for my daughter in the village, and must remind myself that she no longer is here.

It is with great joy that I release them to their new found place of residence and situation. My son also resides in the village where he works very hard thatching roofs and managing the building of stone amassed bridges for carriage travel. I was very happy to see him after all these years.

I managed to walk again around the lake. It was quite cold and not without a shiver! I met Mr. James and greeted him. He owns the St. James Book Shoppe down the lane. He is the most polite of men and he recommended some very fine books to read next time I come into his shop.

Well, my time is short today. Be of good cheer!

The Storm Has Passed...

The storm has passed and the snow has melted, I can see from my kitchen window that the lake has a soft ripple upon its surface. I am thoroughly anxious to take a morning stroll around the lake and take in all the delights of a sunny, winter day.

This morning I am dressed in long, wool leggings, a fiercely woven coat with brass buttons, warm hat with flaps and my favorite red mittens! Oh, how I love to walk the outdoors breathing in all the wonderfully fresh aromas that await me.

Some days, Tom the baker takes to walking along the lake perimeter, I don’t see him yet, but I will anticipate his presence.

This brave old door creaks relentlessly against its aging frame, every time I pass through it. But, all these years it has done the service I have required of it!

Can you hear the crunching beneath my footsteps? There are so many broken branches, decayed leaves and pebbles thrown into a wild display, I must sidestep and maneuver around with great agility.

I see the sun just rising over the far end of the lake. The surface steams off a great mist while ducks and geese feed determinedly among the reeds and pockets of lilies.

The brightness of the morning sun reminds me of our Lord and His brilliance. I cannot look upon it for I must shield my eyes from the intense glare. I am so often reminded by the Lord of all His wonderful attributes as I stroll among His creation. I do so enjoy the crisp, clean air and the squawking and chattering of the birds above me.

As I peer up, the birds are so colorful and lively, jumping from branch to branch in excited movements, much like a piano concerto. Not too far ahead of me, other birds rustle in the bushes and land on the ground to seek their morning breakfast. How God is so wonderful to arrange their meals so faithfully!

Time for me to return to the cottage and begin my devotions, although, I feel that I already begun by communing with nature in such a delicious way!

Be of good cheer as we set off together in the purpose for which each of us have been called. Again, I look to hear a word from you through the vicar; I understand he has been preaching both villages again. What a sweet, dear gentleman. Good day my friend!

The Storm Grows with Intensity...

The storm grows with intensity today! I decided to travel out and watch the leaves dance and swirl around the skelton shapes of the landscape. The wind is quite strong and pushes against me as though I were a mere wisp of a gal.

My basket catches the pockets of energy and lifts my arm in an exaggerated display. I must say for all that is happening around me, I start to giggle in amusement at the sight I must appear to others. I do have my scarf tied securely under my chin as I continue to gather my courage and make my way across to the barn where the chickens are in need of feed and collecting of eggs.

Such an ideal that I must continue to do daily chores even in the midst of winter. But, the chickens don't seem to notice that the weather has changed as they are all bundled up in their cages with fluffy flaxen straw hay. Sometimes, I wish that I were a chicken - just as long as no one suggests cooking me on the wood stovetop!

The sheep are still secure in their pen, food has been placed in the bins for their consumption, so now I guess that Emilia the horse will be happy for her oats and a mucking of the stall. Gee, what a life!

The butcher dropped off a fine piece of pork that I will cut up to perfection. I won't have to worry about it going bad as the cold, bleak weather will keep it just fine. Oh, and I will have guests for dinner to finish off the balance really soon.

I think today I will bake breads and cookies for the neighbors. I know that they always delight in my fancy breads with fruits, spices and nuts. Yumm, I am hungry already!

Wishing you a grand day in spite of the dreary dampness that is settled all around us!