The headlines across all news media has my head spinning and my spiritual  knees becoming tired and worn out from my incessant prayers that somehow, somewhere as I lament,  will be part of God’s plan–as IF He needs my help–to miraculously intervene in this crazy mixed up world of the 2000s that I–and many others–feel is out of control and headed down a slippery slope, much like an avalanche that is out of control, gaining speed with every slide, destroying everything in its path. When I can’t wrap my head or heart around the “why’s” of this world, my thoughts often turn back to my Gramma Jewell, who was a bedrock of faith for our family. As I was doing some small household chores this morning, I got to thinking about social media and the things we post, mainly me, that tell others what we’ve accomplished…photos of family and pets…vacations at home or abroad…what kind of “posts” would my gramma have shared from her life than spanned the 1900s to the 60s? Here’s a few that came to my mind…

• Got married today. He sure is a handsome fella, hard worker. He’s pretty rough around the edges but my parents gave us their blessing.
• Got home from our short honeymoon today. I was so excited to begin making the old farmhouse “ours” but that all changed. Our few belongings were packed, waiting on the porch. The farm has been given to Clara and George. Where do we go now?
• Clarence and I welcomed our first gift from God today! Our beautiful baby Virgil was born.
• Somehow we are making it through each day. Clarence works from sun up to sun down in the fields. I’m keeping busy with Virgil who’s been joined by a few more “precious” gifts…Joy, Lyle, Russell…God–You sure are blessing me with these babies! It’s got Clarence rather concerned most days. Life in the 20s and 30s is some hard economic times for us farmers….but I sure enjoyed a good belly laugh today. I caught Joy feeding Russell and our newest piglet from the same bottle! It feels good to laugh, Father.
• Sent Russell and Jack to town today to buy flour. I sure hope they don’t get in a tussle on the way home. My Russell is a bit of a boy, never one to turn down getting into a scrap, but he’s kind and loving all the same. I did overhear those two bragging about Russell did smack some boy pretty hard while Jack held the bag of flour.
• The Lord has seen fit to give me and Clarence some more daughters and sons! My oh my, my life is pretty full! Our dinner table is crowded. Somehow we manage to feed our family, even if  it means daddy eats last and Jack and Helen share a glass for their milk. Thank You Father for our cows and Your bountiful blessings.
• Today I made 9 loaves of bread. I sure keep our woodstove stoked. We’ll enjoy that fresh bread for a few days, then I’ll make more. Making our bread has gotten easier. Somehow Clarence was able to get me a dough mixer and the older boys are a big help turning the handle. They don’t complain much. Maybe it’s because they know momma will make them “jiggers” for an after school treat. A lil bit of deep fried bread dough rolled in sugar sure fills up them empty bellies, Lord.
• My heart is broken Father. This baby I’m carrying came early. We’ve given him the name Robert. He’s so tiny….we’ll love him and wait for Your divine Hand upon His life…..
• We buried little Robert today. He lived 6 days. I don’t think I’ll ever forget him….I’m so grateful my sister Esther is here to help with the children while I heal….
• Clarence and I had a disagreement today. We’ve got some neighbor children who don’t have a momma anymore. Their daddy is working hard, trying his best. Those children are smart. I have figured out they know when supper time is at our house and that I won’t turn them away from a meal. Clarence sputtered at me that “it’s hard enough feeding my own kids, Sadie…” I usually don’t speak back to my husband but today was different “Clarence, those children are hungry”. I’m grateful the Lord helped me keep my tongue from taking on a tone that wasn’t pleasant or disrespectful to him.  Somehow, my soft gentle rebukes are enough for my husband to settle down. Somehow, our meager provisions fill hungry bellies.
• I think our family is complete now, Father. Baby Ann has joined her 10 brothers and sisters.  She’s perfect and precious, just like all my children that you’ve given us.
• I’m tired this morning. This war our country has joined has me up til 2 or 3 am praying for my boys. It’s a practice I’ve added into my daily life now.  I’m anxious for every letter I will get from one of them, and the hugs I’ll cherish when they come home on leave or for good.
• The war is over, Lord. Thank You that all my boys are home safe.
• Lord, I am overwhelmed by the blessings my children gave us. They put all their money together and built us a house. It sure is nice and oh my, I’ve even got a greenhouse to grow my favorite flowers. Maybe I’ll even sell some, but not on Sunday Lord–that’s Your day…and the berry plants! Why, I can see me canning jams and lining up pies on the washer and dryer for everyone to enjoy for Sunday dinners! The chickens better keep producing and providing. I’ve got lots more bellies to fill now, Lord, but I’m not complaining. Thank You, too, for our lil Brownie. He’s a good dog. Daddy got him for me since my eyes aren’t so good anymore. 
• Oh, the weddings. Sure am getting me some beautiful “daughters”.  The grandbabies  are starting to fill our arms and home! Each one is “precious”…I don’t have to decide who I love the most; I don’t have any favorites…they’re all beautiful and perfect.
• Father, You have always been faithful to answer my prayers. Clarence has made the decision to receive You into his life. I guess age 55 isn’t too late to change a man!

Gramma didn’t have modern appliances. Her home was clean, hot in the summers and cold in the winters. Her hands were always busy…making doughs…canning fruits and meats…washing clothes by hand…cleaning up messes…planting her vegetable garden…picking berries…folded in prayer at every meal and during those late night sessions with her Father..and always on the Sabbath.

She was never one to brag or complain. At least, I never witnessed such things. I was blessed to have her in my life for 14 years.  Somehow, she chose to keep her hurts and deepest concerns inside her quiet soul, only to be turned into a prayer when it weighed upon her mind. Maybe we could all learn a thing or two from her example. Not everything needs to be posted for family and friends to see, but rather turned into prayer at the end of the day or  in the dark quiet hours of the night, when all the chores have been done for another day, bellies are full, and the sounds of soft content breathing from sleepy boys and girls can be heard coming from bedrooms…. filling the air as a new day is about to dawn.