Living a Blessed Life

Her secret is simple.  On her worst days, she prays.  And on her best days, she prays. Hello! Are you ready for another update?!?!? :-) A friend of mine posted those words today and I am in complete agreement! I recently listened to a podcast and the speakers were discussing the concept of suffering well. The point of the topic was to allow God to do His work in us through our season of suffering and complete that season with a period before being quick to share our story - or share the victory. I agree with this statement, but often times find it challenging to wait on God's timing. Longsuffering: "Our longsuffering won't seem nearly as long or nearly as painful when we know God's perspective is to use every single second of our suffering for good." - Lysa Terkeurst I know this topic well - almost too well at this point, however, I do believe there is a lot to say about suffering well and allowing fellow believers and friends to support us along our journey. I am...

This is the second  most wonderful time of the year in the Schwarz home. It is Maple Syrup season!! We were in full swing until the weather decided to tease us with Spring and stop the sap from running. Here's hoping the cooler temps will let the sap flow this week and next. For those of you who know us, you are aware of our love for making syrup from the sap flowing from 5 of our 7  HUGE Silver Maple trees in our yard. The perfect time to tap trees is when the temperatures are in the 40's during the day and dip just below freezing at night. Too hot or too cold and the sap stops flowing. When the trees bud out and leaves begin to form it's all over! We were able to collect 22.5 total gallons of sap so far and have boiled it down into 70 oz. of Syrup! Yum! (The typical ratio of sap to syrup is 40-50 gallons to 1 gallon of syrup) The sad reality for me this year is that I do not get the pleasure of enjoying this delicious treat. I am happy, however, that I can still do th...