on grace

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

It has been a week since I have posted. Surely it is not for lack of stories to share. My photo albums are full to bursting, we have read beautiful books this summer, gone many exciting places – even in the past week, and back to school preparations are beginning. This has also been a very sober season. There are multiple novenas going daily for various intentions among those we love dearly.

Big, big, stuff God is asking of our friends and loved ones right now.

What can we do? We become Aaron's holding up their arms. This is the very definition of loving – to come up on either side and help your friends "remain steady." This is what we all need. That and the assurance that we are equal to the challenge. Perhaps this is always at the root of our fears. We look ahead to where our journey is leading and we know quite honestly that, as we stand at this moment, we do not have what it will take. Truth is, we don't. God in His economy doesn't issue us graces a minute before they are needed. (Personally, I will just say right now I have had words with Him about this policy.)

If you haven't already heard Corrie ten Boom's story about her father explaining how grace works maybe it will bless you too:

"When you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?"

"Why, just before we get on the train."

"Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need, just in time."

Just in time. No matter what it is He is asking of us.

Just don't run out ahead of Him.

(side note: It cannot be coincidental that the other story that has been so influential in my life was about a trip to Holland. Because I am a slow study, it is probably not coincidental that when I was an exchange student in high school I was sent to….

wait for it…

Holland.

yep. True story. No coincidences in this life. Just a loving Father who pursues us tirelessly with grace at the ready.)

And just like that…

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

21.

Just sit right there a minute ok?

ok. Why are we sitting here?

Because I want a picture. I need to freeze this in my mind. Because like two minutes ago your Dad was walking, walking, walking his swollen wife up and down hot Texas sidewalks hoping labor would start before Gramma's plane took off again. Then a few seconds later I was telling you about how to twist those brand new stud earrings so they didn't close over. And right after that you rode past the window on a big bay gelding, hair flying behind you. It had to be a minute later you grabbed the keys to drive to work. And I just need a picture of this.

We have a winner!

Posted on July 25, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Laura D. I am sending Katie your info now. Congratulations! Your beautiful floral crown headband will be winging its way to you soon.

Thank you so much to The Fierce Chipmunk for gifting so generously.

a number of nights

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

“Every summer there are a number of nights, not many, but a number, when everything is perfect. The light, the warmth, the smells, the mist, the birdsong – the moths. Who can sleep? Who wants to?”

– Fredrik Sjoberg

Reminding us that even in the darkness there is beauty.

It’s a Giveaway!

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

I have some very happy news for you today. Earlier this year I fell in love with The Fierce Chipmunk, an etsy shop of pure awesomeness. Like, fell hard. I mean, people, she had me with the red mushrooms. And little flocked deer? Oh my.

I had this brief, fleeting, DIY fantasy idea that went something like, "I should make something like this…." Then I got my hands on these beautiful pieces and well, laughed uproariously at myself. There is handmade and there is homemade, if you know what I mean. One glance and Katie's fabulous workmanship is evident. Not only is her vision to die for, her handwork is superb. Totally impressed all around.

I was so impressed that I hoped to share the love with another of my friends. Katie will be giving away one of her whimsical felted floral crowns to a lucky reader this weekend. You in? Here's the deal. Leave a message in comments here to enter the drawing, then hop over to The Fierce Chipmunk on Facebook and "like" the page. That's all. You're in. : ) If you link up on your own blog or facebook we will toss your name into the hat a second time, doubling your chances. This pair of picnic-ers will draw a name from their basket on Saturday and Katie will send off a crown to the winner.

(delivery is only possible to regular US and APO addresses)

May you enjoy yours as much as we have been….

The crown is glorious needless to say, but I have to plug the tiny deer.

And the mushrooms.

I really do.

On Keeping the Bridge

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Revisiting some thoughts from a long time ago. Namely, that you don't have to slay all the dragons, just the next one. Overwhelmed much? Maybe you will be reminded too over here.

Where’s Archie?

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

When I saw him crashed on the bathroom rug the other day I knew I better get pictures before he doesn't fit on it at all.

We call this rug his Poodle Puppy Camo….

zzz…..

Horse and Hitch Parade, Ogden, UT

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Ogden, Utah has kicked off its annual Pioneer Days celebration. Many cities across the state have a holiday air around July 24, the commeration of Brigham Young and his followers entering the state. It has grown to emcompass a wider celebration of the pioneer spirit and the people who are keeping it alive today.

There are all sorts of western events this month. We didn't want to miss the Horse and Hitch parade, epitome of home grown fun. People line the downtown streets to watch local groups and stables parade down the wide boulevards, many in costume. Big people and very little people cowboy up on this kick-off evening.

Americana at its finest. Love. I hope when my kids think back on summer they think sidewalks and sandals and flying candy and marching bands. Magic doesn't have to break the bank. It most definitely doesn't exclude those who aren't blessed with bulging pocketbooks. Dad's folding chair lined up next to your's on a summer evening trumps the hundred dollar Disney pass and hour long lines. Every.single.time. : )

Thought you might want to take a look around downtown while we are at it. Each year the painted horses are on display in Ogden, painted to showcase some part of local culture.

summer thoughts

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

"For most American children summer break is at hand, bringing with it the promise of cloudless, blue skies overhead, sprinklers spraying, and fireflies to chase before bed. There are ball games, freshly cut grass, and leisurely mornings to sleep in.

For their parents it may be a different story…"

Stressed over summer break? Feel like you should be doing more? You can jump over here for my take over at Tan Homeschool today. (hint – if your summer is looking anything like this, I think you're probably doing just fine.)

I hope you are scooping up joy by the bucketful this summer. : )

Feeding Grandma’s Chickens

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Where I come from houses are white and barns are red. Not always, but very often. It just seems the way it should be. My mother-in-law's farm is such a place, Wisconsin perfection with mown lawns and flowers planted near the barn doors. On summer evenings it is idyllic. The little girls loved peeking inside the big red barn with her and visiting the hens.

Nor rural sights alone, but rural sounds,
Exhilarate the spirit, and restore
The tone of languid nature.
~William Cowper

Starry Sky Journal

Reflections from Starry Sky Ranch

Monthly Archives: July 2015