Memorial Day thoughts...Looking back

MEMORIAL DAY...LOOKING BACK

This is the day we remember our American veterans, our Patriot ancestors, those who fought for liberty in theaters both domestic and abroad. We wonder at their courage, their ability to endure hardship and privation so that we may live free today and have another tomorrow.

Virtually all of my Patriot ancestors fought in the American Revolution and on the side of the Union during the Civil War. These two great conflicts on American soil helped to shape our American way of life.

In my most recent historical novel, SWORD OF THE WILD ROSE, the events preceeding the American Revolution are depicted in this work. We read about the characters, those brave men and women who felt libery was worth risking all they held dear. Here are a few quotes and thoughts from Sword of the wild Rose.

Note: Watch for my next historical novel, “Bear Hunter,” set in the early 1770’s and based on the colorful life of my Patriot ancestor, John Cutright, the “Bear Hunter.”

Those who fought for freedom...who believed in freedom

“I see for the last time, the shores of me homeland…and I remember all that I have lost...all that I have loved and known.

There is no place for me…nay, no country where I can live free, no place where I can unlock me heart and allow the tears to come.

For I am a man…a man who has lost his way, and I fear, I will not find it again. I don’t know where to start; nay…I don’t know where to start.

When will the sorrow end, where will hope begin? Will truth and light break through this terrible night?

 

Then…I saw her standing there…spinning circles in the snow while moonlight streamed across her hair and her eyes spoke without words …and she said to me…”you know,  there is a place where you can always go…come with me…come with me…”

The Battle to come 

A great majority of those who for for American Independence were common frontiersmen, settlers, those who sought freedom in a new land.

 The Longhunters

^{Our Cultural Legacy}

“If ye think about it, lad, our cultural legacy plays an important part in making us who we are. I have always believed that we are the product of many different people and have a genetic propensity to lean in the direction of our ancestors. If they were rising stars, that helped us along, and if they were non-achievers, that slowed our progress. As the Bible says, ‘time and chance’ play into the grand scheme of things as well. God had to change some of us from many of the things that our ancestral legacy would have dictated for us -- and that, me friend, included me. Praise God for that!”

The Longhunter, Sword of the Wild Rose

 Marching to Freedom

Voice of the Shepherdess

“Behold, I have engraved you upon the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isa. 49:16

Today I stopped at the grocery to pick up a few items and passed a product display in a rather obscure corner of the store. A young woman was offering sample to customers. I walked to the display and she began her promo talk. I listened, looking into her eyes and seeing there some suffering, something sad. She paused and our eyes locked. Compassion welled up in my heart. I saw the pain she was trying so bravely to hide. We chatted and then I asked if she was okay. She understood that I saw the hurting. “My home is breaking up,” she said finally, and I have young children.”

“I am so sorry,” I said offering sympathy, “but don’t lose hope. God can help you.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Only God can help me now,” she replied.
I felt touched by her hurting heart and went to the car to retrieve a book I felt would be helpful to her. After giving her some encouraging words, I gave her the book. she cried then, and hugged me. It didn’t seem to matter that someone might be watching. She needed love, support, she needed God’s help. I wanted to reach out to her.

I came away burdened for this young woman and for others who are hurting is some way. I remember the old hymn that has been my mantra throughout my life. There is a God who loves us; who cares so much that He has graven our image upon the palms of His hands. How great is His love for us.

George Matheson said about this hymn:

My hymn was com­posed in the manse of In­ne­lan [Ar­gyle­shire, Scot­land] on the ev­en­ing of the 6th of June, 1882, when I was 40 years of age. I was alone in the manse at that time. It was the night of my sister’s mar­ri­age, and the rest of the fam­i­ly were stay­ing over­night in Glas­gow. Some­thing hap­pened to me, which was known only to my­self, and which caused me the most se­vere men­tal suf­fer­ing. 

The hymn was the fruit of that suf­fer­ing. It was the quick­est bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the im­press­ion of hav­ing it dic­tat­ed to me by some in­ward voice ra­ther than of work­ing it out my­self. I am quite sure that the whole work was com­plet­ed in five min­utes, and equal­ly sure that it ne­ver re­ceived at my hands any re­touch­ing or cor­rect­ion. I have no na­tur­al gift of rhy­thm. All the other vers­es I have ever writ­ten are man­u­fact­ured ar­ti­cles; this came like a day­spring from on high.

George Matheson

OH LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

George Matheson

Return to Wildrose Cottage

Mother's Day Gifts

Wildrose Cottage, our summer retreat, is now open for the summer months. We spent the last ten days sprucing up the gardens, which were already bursting with blooms, and setting things in order inside our comfy cottage. James drove over from PA to visit and brought some lovely Mother’s Day gifts. After breakfast on the newly added deck that overlooks the ravine, I opened the packages from James who travels widely and seems to know the things I love. The thistle bowl is a special treasure, an antique from “Forgotten Treasure Chest” a shop from his home town in PA. The thistle is Scotland’s flower (?) and is significant to Scottish culture, a story for another time. The plate is from Italy and chosen for my love of roses. 

The Scottish thistle filled with roses from "Forgotten Treasure Chest" Easton, PA 

WILDROSE COTTAGE
Our summer retreat

In our cottage neighborhood, we have a community garden which is cared for by Doreen. This year she added an antiquated trellis made made from old gates

Bird house in 14 St. gardens

Hollyhocks in 14th St. gardens

If you walk down the ravine from Wildrose Cottage, you will find the Hocking River and in the distance, Standing Stone, the landmark so often referred to in book 1 of my trilogy,  

The Wild Rose of Lancaster

Wildrose Cottage in May

I really hate those electric lines!

Wild flowers at Wildrose Cottage meadow

At the Ohio farm where I grew up. Laura's memorial garden where Mom had peach trees

Laura's rooster in the chicken coop. He is not happy. FREEDOM!

Wild roses in bloom

The Shepherdess Speaks...

Prayer Changes Things

Near the front door of my paternal grandmother’s house, (Elizabeth, The Wild Rose of Lancaster) this plaque hung on the wall where all who entered and left the house could read the words. At that time, Elizabeth was running a boarding house and as a child, it was this house that I remember. After I was grown and Elizabeth died, this same plaque hung by the front door of the farmhouse where I grew up. I saw it a hundred times; a thousand times, and the words, silent and profound, are forever etched in my memory.

When my family was preparing to move far from home, my mother asked if I would like the plaque in memory of Elizabeth. Nothing could have pleased me more. This was a treasure. Those words, “Prayer Changes Things,” hang near my door and have traveled with me throughout my life. They are more than mere words on a decorative plaque. They are reality, proven to be true time and time again, reminding me always that there is nothing to hard for God to resolve, no circumstance in life that He cannot change if we pray and He wills it so.

This April morning was cool in the south and my husband made a fire in the fireplace. I removed the plaque from the wall and placed it on the tea table. I had several prayers that awaited an answer. I needed to read those words again, to remember Elizabeth, my mother, to remind myself how God had answered prayer for them, how this silent witness had spoken to all who came and went. Through the years, I have seen the eyes of my guests scan the words as they leave my home, those changeless words that plant faith, remind us that God still hears, still cares, and still changes things for our good.

When I pray, I say to Him, “I know, Lord, you always hear my prayer…and you will change this thing that I have no power or might to change…”

©2012 Ruth Carmichael Ellinger

"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Jas 5:16

"And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” Jas 5:15

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Php. 4:6-7

The Shepherdess Speaks...

Where is the Road?

To lose heart is to lose the desire and will to go on, to lose our courage to continue moving forward. Perhaps we are weary with the battle, tired of pressing through so many difficult circumstances. Are we ready to quit and throw in the towel, to go back down the narrow road we have traveled for so long?

To be discouraged is common to all pilgrims, but we rise above this temporary state and by faith, we take on new courage. But to lose heart altogether is not just a temporary setback, not just a stumble, a fall, or dip in the road. Losing heart has fatal consequences. We make shipwreck of our faith and cause others to lose heart. If we turn around and head back to Egypt, others will lose courage as well. We depend on each other; we need each other.

Even so, as fellow travelers on this road of faith, we must value our own personal relationship with God above all else, above all powers and principalities, above all that Satan would present to hinder our forward progress, remembering always that our trust for every situation is in God alone. The arm of flesh is weak and friends may fail to understand us. Our fellow pilgrims cannot prevent the many discouragements that come our way.

The arm of God is strong to uphold us and He loves us so much that we are graven upon the palms of his hands. Therefore, we do not lose heart when there seems to be no way out of our difficulties. He will make a way, and that is enough to know.

© 2012 by Ruth Carmichael Ellinger

Behold, I have engraved you upon the palms of my hands...

Isaiah 49:16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”

John 10: 27-29

WELCOME TO MY GARDEN!

WELCOME TO MY GARDEN!

BEST OF SHOW!

April is the month when everything I love is blooming and the gardens look so fresh and new. The herbs are ready to pick and dry for later use but I keep some going the year around. Cooking with the fresh herbs make everything so tasty. My favorite to use for fresh salmon are rosemary and tarragon. My daughter even gathers the stinging nettle which she drys for a tea that is very helpful to women and eats the young leaves like greens cooked with seasonings. Be careful when gathering the nettle to use gloves!

Wright's orchids are all in bloom now. He has just the right spot for them

This colorful orchid couldn't be improved upon. The colors in creation are magnificent

The garden outside the study window



They call this a "peace" lily. Is that because that it blooms at Easter?

I had a friend over for afternoon tea and my husband added these roses. I enjoyed them so much and they added such color to the table

Tea on the porch on a spring day

Cool water and fresh mint from the garden



Cranberry orange scones. Yum!

I love eating raw.This salad has greens, mango, sweet pepper, blue cheese, sugar snap peas, and mushrooms.

The Shepherdess Speaks...

The Cross

Celebrating the Resurrection

The cross is a well-known and beloved symbol of the Christian faith and represents the instrument used to crucify Jesus Christ, the sacrificial “Lamb of God” who purchased the free gift of salvation for all who believe. We who have knelt at the foot of this old rugged cross, have felt the agony of His passion and the selfless love poured out for our redemption. We understand in part the undeniable beauty of this crude emblem. How rough and harsh is this symbol, but oh how beautiful and magnificent is the impact and significance of the Christian cross.

©2010by Ruth Carmichael Ellinger

Whatsoever things are lovely...

During March, we met with our daughter and family to enjoy the glories of the Arizona desert where we lived for several years. Of course, nothing remains the same and the region has grown far beyond what we could ever imagine. One thing remains constant though – the red rocks of Sedona and the flora and fauna of the area are still as beautiful as ever. God’s creation is still magnificent to behold.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Two mansions -- one built by man, one built by God. Which do you prefer?
In the Sedona area of Arizona

Indian Springs B & B, a lovely respite in the desert where we have stayed many times

The lone saguaro on the way to Indian springs

The saguaro cactus is native to Arizona and is a large, tree like cactus that can grow up to fifty feet tall. The saguaro blossom is the State Wildflower of Arizona.

Outside the courtyard

Looking through the wrought iron fan to the mountains beyond. So beautiful

The garden wall outside the hacienda at Indian Springs

The Shepherdess Speaks...

Legend of the Phoenix

A mural of the legendary Phoenix adorns a section of wall in the Phoenix airport, and during the years I have traveled in and out of the city, I rarely take note of the mural. This sprawling western city of Phoenix was named for the legendary bird and the mural is a reflection of the name. Since the city appears to rise from the flaming desert floor and continues to thrive in this arid condition, the name is quite appropriate.

Legend says that the brilliantly colored bird builds its own funeral pyre and then throws itself into the flames to die. From the burning pyre, the Phoenix rises from the ashes and flaming embers to live again—reborn after death, now far more beautiful than ever before.

While waiting for my flight, my eyes scanned the mural, recalling the myth and the symbolism of the tale. I, too, like the mythical Phoenix, had thrown myself onto God’s refining fire; dying to my own will, relinquishing myself to God. Still, I believed, trusted, knowing that someday—I would rise from the ashes of my present trial of faith to soar high above the flames, more alive and stronger than before the flames had destroyed my human will with His purifying fire.~

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 16:24-25

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." John 12:24-25

The Shepherdess Speaks...

The Road...the Risk

I remember walking this very road, wondering what might lurk in the shadows, or pounce on me when I reached the next bend. And…what might be waiting at the end of the road? It was narrow, not well traveled, and seemed somewhat risky to begin the journey at all. I could see nothing in the distance but winding road, no other person in sight. In fact, it seemed I was traveling by myself.

Like Pilgrim, I began my spiritual journey alone; glad to be rid of the burden on my back and walking away from the city of destruction. I soon met with fellow travelers on this same narrow path. Like me, they chose to take the risk and willingly made themselves vulnerable to whatever perils might befall them, knowing that loving, forgiving, and caring is always risky and often hurtful to an open heart.

But then, I heard footsteps, walking in the shadows; a quiet presence watching over me, guiding me, loving me. I knew this gentle spirit to be my Savior, Jesus, my Shepherd and Sovereign guide.

Still, He is there to lighten the dark places, and I glimpse Him in the sunny fields where flowers bloom. Whenever I encounter unexpected storms, dangers, or malicious enemies, He is there to rescue me with His amazing grace. The journey has been many years now and the road has been perilous and often perplexing, but the joys have far outweighed the sorrows and I would say; it was well worth the risk and I am glad I traveled this way. He is there…I hear His footsteps in the shadows.

RuthCarmichaelEllinger@2012

I Hear Footsteps, Walking in the Shadows

Talking about the good life

Friends, I've known it,

Had my home to ring with laughter

Heard my children in prayer,

Talking about the bad times

Oh, I’ve been there,

Had my world to crumble down

And only God would care…

You ask me about the mountains

Yes, I've climbed them,

Felt the sunshine on my shoulder

And the warm wind blow,

And you ask me about the valley,

Yes, I've been there

Had my heart to break in two

And felt the tear drops flow…

But I heard footsteps…

Walking in the shadows,

And a hand reaching out to tell me

He was there,

Yes, I heard footsteps

Walking in the shadows,

And a hand reaching out to tell me

He was there.

Yes, He was always there.

Springtime on the Gulf Coast

Welcome Spring!

Quietly, it came again . . .
So soft . . .I almost missed it.
When sunshine streamed through broken clouds
and dewdrops gently kissed it.
Sleepy still . . . but awake at last,
Oh how I've missed her singing.
When springtime fills my heart with joy_
Great happiness she's bringing!

Ruth Carmichael Ellinger, @2000

Springtime sunset from out front yard. Never miss a sunset

First bloom of spring, the harbinger of good things to come

A lovely orchid grown by my husband who has the proverbial "green Thumb"

From the lunch cruise around Tampa Bay. This beautiful home is on the very tip of Harbor Island

The colors of springtime on the Gulf Coast

We understand that the Gulf waters are already beginning to warm up which means an early hurricane season this year

Spring and warm weather is already here, the trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and the air conditioner is running as I write this post. The colors are vivid, with new life and we are enjoying God's creation at its loveliest