Food for Thought

A person dependent on somebody else for everything from potatoes to opinions may declare that he is a free man, and his government may issue a certificate granting him his freedom, but he will not be free. He is that variety of specialist known as a consumer, which means that he is the abject dependent of producers. How can he be free if he can do nothing for himself? What is the First Amendment to him whose mouth is stuck to the tit of the “affluent society”? Men are free precisely to the extent that they are equal to their own needs. The most able are the most free.

–Wendell Berry, “Discipline and Hope” in A Continuous Harmony (1972), pp. 124

I Just Don't Know What to Say

Wow, what a couple of weeks it has been. Our daughter is doing better, we are healing as a family and she is once again feeling secure in her place in the family. A member of our family and her oldest daughter had been playing some serious mind games with her. Unfortunately she has learned that sometimes even those you trust can use you and manipulate you. Then this Saturday morning we got a phone call......this woman was dead. She apparently died in her sleep. It possibly had something to do with the 4 different antidepressants she was taking. She had just turned 39. She left behind two little 7 year old boys and her 18 year old daughter. I can't say that I am surprised, but I feel awful saying that. Almost like I shouldn't say it. I find it interesting that all of the people that she hurt intentionally, all of the people that she used and manipulated are besides themselves with grief. Yet, I shed no tear nor do I feel grief. I really don't feel anything other than duty to support the other members of the family. I expect her parents to be distraught, but distant members of the family is a little different. Or am I different? I have asked myself if I truly forgave her for what she tried to do to my child. I believe that I did. I harbored no feelings of revenge, anger, hate or ill will toward her. I simply and immediately cut all contact between her, her daughter and my child. Now, she has died and I feel nothing. It is something I am praying about, because I simply don't understand. Is it that I have buried so many that have been so close to me that I no longer feel the pain of grief quite so much? I don't know what the answer is. I simply know that it is a large question in my mind and on my heart. Until next time, Kat

Funny Homeschool Video

Jonathan over at Turtle Mountain Hillbilly posted this video which is a cute little video about homeschooling. Jonathan and his brothers are amazing kids. I have followed their blogs and their mom's blog for about a year now. Hmmm....I have a daughter....hmmm.....wonder if you can still arrange marriages? Just kidding folks, so don't write me any nasty comments on how barbaric I am. Honestly though, when my daughters do start courting I pray that there are a few more around like the Bartlett boys. Anyway enjoy the video.

Healing is Beginning

It has been a tough week emotionally and mentally here at Whisper Wind. First I want to say thanks for all my friends/followers that have been praying for our family. I know your prayers are being heard simply because we are feeling them. The Lord is giving us strength and discernment through this troubling time. As the world turns its hatred against the disciples of Jesus Christ, family members also turn against those that are walking in His light. Our attack has come from members of our distant family and their victim was our oldest daughter. Her OCD has reared its ugly head because of all of this. She is heartbroken that someone in her own family, someone that she trusted, would manipulate and use her to seek revenge on the family as a whole. I have faith that God will use this for His glory in the end and that we will heal together. Right now my husband, mother and I are closing ranks so that she is well protected while she learns, grows and heals from this betrayal. Posts might be short and sweet for awhile as we work through this. Again, thank you all for your prayers. I know many times you all have said that I am an encouragement to you and I just want you all to know that you are an encouragement and source of strength for me as well. God bless you all from the bottom of my heart!

Light posting for awhile

I just wanted to let everyone know that I might not be able to post much for a little while. We are having some issues in our family and that ugly OCD is rearing its awful head again. Right now is a time for us to step back from some of the "extras" that take up our time and focus on the healing that must take place. Please keep our family in your prayers as we are desperately in need of them. I have no doubt that God will use this time of trial to strengthen us and in the end for His glory. Right now we simply must get through this and heal. I will post when I can, but I may be absent for a little while. God bless you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

More on Food from China

I am not sure how old this video is, so be your own judge and do your own checking. However, it is very informative of many "organic" products that are imported and the truth about how "organic" they might or might not be.

February, No Buy month update

I know....it is just the third day of the month. So far so good though. I have noticed a few things that I am out of, but those can wait until the end of the month. This is a good time for me to assess what I need to replace and am getting low on. I will have to buy new tractor tires, but I am hoping that will be all this month. It will really help to rotate our food supplies before the spring crops start coming in. One thing about living from harvest to harvest is looking forward to what will be coming. We are out of cauliflower in the freezer and I simply can't wait to start harvesting some. Who'd a thunk it? Somebody looking forward to cauliflower! I will keep everyone updated on this no buy month so we can all see how it goes. I figure it is a good time to find the holes in my pantry supplies and farm supplies. I plan on keeping a running list throughout the month to keep track of what needs to be replaced or stocked up on in March. Have a blessed day!