…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. … And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 8 -9
What is my only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
~Heidelberg Catechism
Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
~Mary Oliver
To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate the beautiful thing: that is enough for one man’s life.
~ T.S. Eliot
A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
To live is so startling, it leaves little room for other occupations.
~Emily Dickinson
I believe in God as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
~ C. S. Lewis
Remember this. When people choose to withdraw far from a fire, the fire continues to give warmth, but they grow cold. When people choose to withdraw far from light, the light continues to be bright in itself but they are in darkness. This is also the case when people withdraw from God.
~ Augustine
Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields…Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.
~ Mary Oliver
The seed is in the ground. Now may we rest in hope while darkness does its work.
~ Wendell Berry
Nothing will sustain you more potently than the power to recognize in your humdrum routine the true poetry of life.~ Sir William Osler
But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts, and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.
~George Eliot’s final sentence in Middlemarch
If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.
~ E.B. White
Geese appear high over us, pass, and the sky closes. Abandon, as in love or sleep, holds them to their way, clear, in the ancient faith: what we need is here. And we pray, not for new earth or heaven, but to be quiet in heart, and in eye clear. What we need is here.~~ “The Wild Geese” Wendell Berry
Let it come, as it will, and don’t be afraid. God does not leave us comfortless, so let evening come.
~ Jane Kenyon from “Let Evening Come”
You can only come to the morning through the shadows.~ J.R.R. Tolkien
If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for, in detail, ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully for the thing I want to live for. ~ Thomas Merton
This life therefore is not righteousness,
but growth in righteousness,
not health but healing,
not being but becoming,
not rest but exercise.
We are not yet
what we shall be,
but we are growing toward it.
The process is not finished
but it is going on.
This is not the end
but it is the road.
~Martin Luther
Ten times a day something happens to me like this – some strengthening throb of amazement – some good sweet empathic ping and swell. This is the first, the wildest and the wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.
~ Mary Oliver
It is not your love that sustains the marriage —
but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love.
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
She has done what she could…
~Mark 14:8
What do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good on this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?~ J. R. R. Tolkien from The Hobbit
Barnstorming 
Above and beyond!! Very beneficial, edifying blog! Don’t change a thing, just keep on doing what you do!!
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You are right on with your poetry and writings. How do you continue to do this on a daily basis ? You are amazing. What you do is inspiring and speaks deeply about the events of our current personal and world concerns.
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I thoroughly enjoy the pictures and the poetry. Both help remind me to slow down and be present in the moment.
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Great job! I love reading the poems – and seeing the gorgeous photos – everyday. They always lift me and encourage me in some way… sometimes, just by only a word or a short phrase. Other times, the photos “feed” me when I can’t get out into the woods.
Thanks for providing nourishment for my spirit!
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Your posts are beautiful, Emily. The photos, the poetry and then your writing. A bright, thoughtful, and calming visit with you every single day.
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Look forward to reading Barnstorming every day!
Quiet , reflective thinking based on Christian values! Thank you so much.
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It is both uplifting and grounding to read these meditations. I love the poetry selections and so appreciate your reflections on the poems and on life as we are living it. I just haven’t figured out how you do this every single day!
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Oh my yes you provide wonderful content for me every day. Thank you thank you thank you
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This is one of the best postings on the internet. I read it every day and look forward to receiving it. Keep up the good work and don’t change a thing.
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You nourish my soul, Emily. Thank you, and please continue.
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Hello, Emily! Yes, you are providing worthwhile content to me on a daily basis! I look forward to your posts. I love looking at the beautiful pictures and reading poetry-many of the poems are unfamiliar to me.
But I also enjoy your personal reflections. I marvel that you are able to do this every day!
Blessings to you for bringing a little balm into my day-especially during this challenging time, Donna Spaulding
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I found your website this summer and have become a regular subscriber. I also purchased copies of your book for each member of my book group. We are all (with one exception) 60-plus women of Christian persuasion, although some are more conservative and some are more progressive. Your posts hit just the right note for all of us: reflective, thoughtful, humble, insightful, authentic. And your photos are a delight! I look forward to reading your posts each day and if I have a busy day and don’t get to it, I save them up for later. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.
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I look forward to your blog everyday! A nice mix of pictures, poetry and your thoughts about life! Keep it up!
Sent from my iPad
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You really are amazing. The quality of your posts is magnificent and the inspiration you provide is so needed. Thank you so much. I don’t know how you do it but I sure do appreciate it.
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I love your daily photos of the farm and the horses. It looks like you have a peaceful, beautiful life up there.
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What a blessing you are! You are here for this blog among other ways God wants to minister through you.
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I love the poetry and photos. Honest, uplifting reflections. Thank you.
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Even when I read your daily posts I also get them on FB. These I share more often.
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Dear Emily,
I think your doing great. Love your content. The poetry, the music, the spiritual and insightful words. The pictures are amazing a d the glimpses into your world are beautiful. Do what makes you and your spirit happy. So far it’s been uplifting and an oasis in a sometimes scary dreary world.
God bless you and keep you as you thoughtfully share with your followers.
With sincere appreciation,
Andrea Durham
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dear emily, i LOVE reading your posts!! yes, you are adding another piece of the greatness of God in every post you send out. i would sorely miss barnstorming! your insights and photos are beautiful, and have been a great help and inspiration to me. you were meant to do this, as well as heal the bodies of your patients!! this is a gift from God for you, and we need to hear your thoughts and see your beautiful photos that give peace and perspective to each day.
blessings to you from my oregon cascades!!
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thank you, Marylou, for your faithful reading daily and many comments – always an encouragement to me! Blessings, Emily
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Dear Andrea, thank you for responding and letting me know I’m still doing something of value – I like the idea of being an oasis!
Blessings, Emily
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Thank you, John, for writing to let me know and sharing my posts when you can! Most appreciated!
Blessings, Emily
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Thank you, Cathy, for taking time to let me know. Much appreciated!
Blessings, Emily
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Thank you, Kaya, I am so grateful you have let me know this blog is beneficial! It encourages me to keep trying!
Blessings, Emily
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Dear Arline,
Of course, it always looks more beautiful when you can choose the pretty photos over the ones that aren’t so much, but I feel pretty lucky to be where I am with so much to see and record. Thank you for writing!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Sue,
and I’m so appreciative you have let me know that what I do has value! Many thanks!
Blessings, Emily
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Dear Bill,
thank you for sticking with me daily! Can’t let you miss the northwest too much so have to send a little to you, right!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Chris,
Wow! I am humbled that you have a group of women who are enjoying the book – that is great news! Thank you for your very encouraging words. They’ll keep me going for sure!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Donna,
Thank you for letting me know that what I share is of value to you – so appreciate your words!
Blessings,
Emily
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Thank you, Dave and for your faithful encouragement to me!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Daniel,
Wow, I’m very humbled by anything called “the best”! I’m always shooting for “pretty good” and hope to hit “good” more than not. Thank you for such encouraging words!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Barbara,
your words reassure me that I’m still doing something of value for a bunch of folks who mean a great deal to me. I hope you’ll keep sticking with me!
blessings,
Emily
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Dear Kaylene,
thank you for letting me know it is meaningful to you and worthwhile – that is great encouragement!
Blessings,
Emily
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Thank you so much, E. Ott, for letting me know I’m doing something of value! Most appreciated!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Lois,
thank you for letting me know it feels like a “visit” as that is exactly what I hope! So appreciate your faithful reading!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Janice,
I’m very happy to hear the photos can be a substitute for you when you can’t get outside to the real thing. That is what I had hoped. So appreciate you writing to let me know my posts are of value to you!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Lois,
Thank you for taking the time to let me know today – most appreciated!
Blessings,
Emily
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Dear Cynthia,
thank you for taking the time to write and let me know my posts are of benefit to you – very encouraging!
Blessings,
Emily
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Thank you, my friend, for your daily, consistent and faithful reading and “likes” – I always watch for them!
Blessings,
Emily
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Ever so often a Barnstorming day or two slips by, but I excavate down through the strata of e-mail to disentomb igneous wrapped gems of poesy and rune. Your lens is my docent which spoils me one thousand words in one frame at a time. Unexplored authors by me, skillfully charted, I follow your lead, gratefully. Thank you Emily.
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I love this blog. It’s one of my favourite things to read. Always uplifting and challenging. The photos are amazing. You have a real gift from God in this way. I’m so grateful.
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From across the water and a slightly different use of the English language, – I have so appreciated for several years the delving in to “treasures old and new” – the poetry I did not know, your personal family stories and reflections, the stunning photography, particularly from different angles and the whole giving us new perspectives to enjoy and ponder.
Thank you for your daily diligence, hard work and inspiration which allows me to stop too, – to wonder and also to send on as encouragements to others in our global ” family” as well as those who are “not yet” believers.
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Dear Catherine, thank you for your kind and gracious words! So appreciated!
Blessings, Emily
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Dear Mary,
Your encouragement has meant so much to me over the years! Thank you for writing today! Blessings, Emily
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Thank you, Jeff! What fun to read your comment today – you need to be writing your own creations! Blessings, Emily
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I rarely comment- but read you almost daily. I truly enjoy your photography and writing — and would miss seeing my Barnstorming in the mail. Keep on!
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Thank you, Barbara! Always wonderful to hear from you! Blessings,Emily
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Dear Emily,
I look forward to reading Barnstorming each day. You are such a gifted writer, poet, photographer, chronicler. You often express precisely how I’m feeling and experiencing life. Your column is nourishing, nurturing, refreshing, and helpful in many subtle ways.
Thank you. May God continue to give you strength, creativity, discernment, and wisdom, blessing you and your loved ones in God’s own particular ways.
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Dear Carole, I’m humbled by your words and so grateful you have let me know! Blessings, Emily
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I sit amazed at your prolific and soul nourishing art. Your art is you and I your creativity is, as Richard Rhor says, expressions of the Universal Christ. I am fed heart, mind and soul by your home cooking. Many thanks. Rev. Bill Gregory, Yarmouth, ME
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Dear Rev. Bill, I love the idea of providing daily home cooking to my readers! Thank you for letting me know you feel fed! blessings, Emily
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I always appreciate your daily thoughts! I LOVE the pictures exhibiting the incredible artwork of the Creator. I have never been drawn to poetry but developing a greater appreciation. You have a gift with words and express your heart with transparency-a willingness to be vulnerable, a call to greater love of God and neighbor. Your words are grace-filled and encouraging!❤️
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I agree with last comment—don’t change a thing!
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Thank you, dear Linda, for your continual encouragement and spiritual mentoring! Love you always! Emily
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Dear Jan, will try to stick with what works, thanks!!
Blessings, Emily
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Thank you for brightening my days with your glorious photos, poetry, musings and love of life! I too have horses, grew up on a farm and love your posts that includes your beautiful herd.
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