Amy's Gift of Friendship

I just don't know where to start, so I'm giving you all a heads up that this post might be a little random and scattered, but I know I need to write something now, because there is so much I want to write.  This past Wednesday was a snowy day, so the kids and I decided to stay at home, rather than doing our normal library and grocery trip.  We were having a great day and that afternoon's quiet time was turning out to be pretty productive for myself until I got "the call."  One of my fellow North Iowa Bloggers, Donna, called me.  I figured she was calling to let me know that our group wasn't going to meet for our supper and local business tour that night anymore because of the weather, but instead I heard a quiver in her voice and I could hear tears in her eyes.  I thought what happened?  She told me that one of our fellow North Iowa Bloggers, Amy of Modern Rural Living, had passed away in a tragic multi-car accident that morning.  I said "What!".  Donna repeated it again, but I knew what she had said, I just couldn't believe it.  So I said "What!" one more time.  Donna knew I was in disbelief, just like she was, and though we were 50 miles apart from each other, she could tell what I was thinking and said, "I know."  We just sat on the phone with each other mumbling disbeliefs back and worth, or even just saying nothing.  But we knew we were there for each other and we knew we were there for the rest of our North Iowa Bloggers, Amy's fiance Spenser and Amy's parents and brother.

One of the Facebook photos I posted of Amy and I.
We were on a social media panel together just last month.

That evening after Amy's name was released publicly, I shared photos of Amy and myself on Facebook.  The support from my Facebook followers was amazing.  Those that didn't even know Amy sent their prayers for her family and friends - AND to the North Iowa Bloggers.  I was astonished that people would be thinking of me during this time, along with the rest of my North Iowa Bloggers community.  My Mom called me that night to make sure I was alright.  She mentioned how lucky I was to have the North Iowa Bloggers.  And that is when I think it really hit me, the North Iowa Bloggers was more than just a group of people that got together to talk social media and support our local community, we were friends.

One of my favorite #NorthIowaBlogger events
Lays Potato Chip Taste Test (which has then spurred more taste tests!)

Living in rural Iowa, let's just say, there are limitations to finding friends.  There isn't a huge population to begin with and then if you look for people that have the same interests as you, that pool gets even smaller.  And I know and appreciate the friends I have, but the North Iowa Bloggers are something different, there is something special there, they're friends.  Does that make sense to anyone else?  They are an unbelievable support system that I am so lucky and fortunate to have, and Amy was such a big part of that.  Amy was always so welcoming to anyone that joined our group, she had such an excitement and zest at every gathering and event we participated in, and her smile - what I can I say about her smile?  Number one, she was always smiling.  Number two, her smile instantly made you feel comfort.  Number three, you could tell what she was thinking by the way she smiled.  So, I guess in the words of Amy, her smile "Rocked".

Amy Elizabeth Hild - September 9, 1987 - February 25, 2015

The North Iowa Bloggers, Spenser, Amy's family and the rest of her friends are going to miss her smile and friendship for awhile.  There are going to be holes in our lives and hearts for awhile.  But the promise of Easter gives me assurance that I will see that smile again.  Scripture always gives me so much fulfillment and I ran across this verse that I think embodies Amy, plus goes well with some of the things My Farmer and I have been praying with each other about this Lent.

What words or songs of support do you turn to in time of loss?  Remember to Comment for a Cause (and be sure to check out next month's Comments for a Cause tomorrow - I'm doing something special for Amy!), and be sure to check out these other great tributes to her.

Give instead of Giving Up this Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lent season.  Lent is a time for prayer and repentance of sins, as Christians prepare for Holy Week and the celebration of Easter.  A common practice during Lent is to fast or give up certain types of luxuries.  Now I may ruffle a few feathers here, but I am not a fan of this tradition.  I realize that fasting and giving up something is suppose to help you grow closer to God, and in a way symbolize what Jesus Christ did for all of us during Holy Week.  But there is no way we can even come close to the same giving up of ourselves that Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.  And are you telling me that people that give up alcohol, chocolate or swearing during Lent are really doing that in recognition of the glory of God?  That is why today, on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, I am challenging all of you to Give of yourself in the glory of God.

So what are some ways we can Give this Lent you are now asking?  Well, here is a list of a few ideas I have and I'd love hear your ideas.  Remember to Comment for a Cause!

• Read the Bible daily
• Practice daily devotions and share your insights with your spouse, children, friends, etc.
• Start a prayer team with a friend or family member.  Send each other a text or call each other every day and pray with and for each other.
• Volunteer at your church or in your community.  Help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, etc.
• Send letters to family, friends, shut-ins of your church and community, etc. and let them know how much they are loved by you and God (My friend Beth Ann has been doing this the last couple of years and I have been lucky to be on the receiving end of one of her cards.  It was very touching.)

I hope you all have a blessed Lent!

Wordless Wednesday - Farm Progress Show

My Farmer, LP, my in-laws and I had a great time at the Farm Progress Show today.  I didn't take too many photos I'm afraid, but here are a few looks from on top of a combine that I took today.  My favorite part of today was probably watching the field demonstrations and catching up with so many friends!

First Sweet Corn of the Season

Last night for supper we had our first pick of sweet corn and it was sooo good!  

What made it even better is that we had some friends over and had in my opinion a classic summer supper - pork chops from the grill, sweet corn, apple pie and ice cream!  Can't wait to have BLTs and more sweet corn tonight!

Wordless Wednesday

There have been so many fun things happening lately, I figured I'd do a "Wordless Wednesday" to show a few things my family has been up to from the past week.

      

 Last week LP went to his first Nut Fry.  

Here is a photo of our friend Rusty, LP, My Farmer and our friend/neighbor Merlin in Conrad for the Nut Fry.

LP started using silverware by himself this past week.

 We got to visit some friends this past weekend who have a little girl just three months younger than LP.

Our church had it's all church birthday party this past weekend.  Each birthday month has their own specially decorated table and special cake.  I was incharge of January.