The Shepherdess Speaks...

 Joy of the journey

 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Mark 10:13-15

 

Dangerous Journey

 

  Hope and encouragement comes to Honduras

In answer to the Macedonia call, “Come and help us,” my husband, (a pastor) and another minister acting as translator, arrived in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, known as the ‘murder capitol of the world.’ I didn’t realize how dangerous this endeavor was until I began to read about the rival gang crimes and drug related murders that are a daily occurrence in this part of the world. The two ministers had to travel this narrow road in order to minister to the Church of God in that community. This was a precarious journey over hazardous conditions where gang activity and gun fights are a daily occurrence. 

 The community  near San Pedro Sula

Preaching and interpreting

Welcome brothers!

Primitive transportation

The children

Rental car in font of church building. They had to roll the tinted windows down so they wouldn't be suspected as affiliated with a gang. It was quite warm with no air conditioning. The congregation had decorated the church with welcome sing, flowers and backdrop of curtains. We had a warm welcome.

Ministering in a dark land

Two babies

The shower

Here we are... in answer to the call

This little guy sat next to Wright each evening

The cook stove. Everyone thank the Lord for your nice stove!

God bless you and keep you in His love and care!

Pastor Carlos, Ellie, and family

"Abiga"

Alexandria Noel graduates from high school

 

When she was learning to talk, she called herself “Abiga.” As her Grammy, Alexandria (her given name) will always be “Abiga” to me, that darling little girl who brought such comfort and joy into our lives. Now, off to college and a future already given into God’s hands. How blessed we feel to know she has chosen to serve God in her youth. She is just as sweet as she is beautiful. High on the list of Andria’s accomplishments are her musical talent as a pianist and her journalistic contributions for the Osprey Observer, our local newspaper. Our prayers are with you, sweet little Abiga!

If I could, I would freeze my grandchildren in time at about three years and keep them there forever. At three, we have moved past the diapers, nursing, sleepless nights, and have stored all the baby paraphernalia that helped us survive those first few years.

The delight and wonder of a child’s world is marvelous to behold. It makes us feel young again too; just watching our toddlers experience life and all the new and exciting things that have become mundane and ordinary to us grownups. For them, life is simple, joyous, energizing, and carefree. Don’t you think this is how God intended for us to experience the abundant life He offers? Oh Lord… help me to simplify and see the world through child-like eyes!

"Abiga"

The Shepherdess Remembers...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

LIFE’S PRECIOUS GIFTS

     We feel its warmth, its softening influence....however forgetful we have been, however much we have taken for granted life’s precious gifts, we are conscious of wistful memories that surge out of the past,  the sweet tender poignant fragrances of love. Nothing that has been said, nothing that could be said, would be eloquent enough, expressive enough, or adequate to make articulate that peculiar emotion we feel to our mothers. Peter Marshall

 Springtime

 My mother, Margaret, on the left and grandmother Joanna on the right

So many years have passed since we laid Mom to rest beneath the moss and ferns. I realize now that I will never stop missing her, never stop wishing for one more talk, one more hello and one more glimpse of her her dear face. Someday...we will meet again.

Elizabeth & Arthur on right, Samuel on left

 

What is a lady?

    A great lady is always a lady—no matter where she is or what she is doing. She dresses like a lady; modestly, but with elegance and taste. She behaves like a lady in every circumstance; dignified but never starchy or prudish. She shows compassion, but never compromises her standards.

    A lady is gentle, yet firm, respectful of all, but martyr for none. She is a loving wife, a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a credit to all who may know her. She is the standard bearer for every woman in every age and of every culture. She is both the embodiment and the true personification of God's plan for womanhood.   

-Ruth Carmichael Ellinger

The Shepherdess Speaks

ABOVE ALL…

Along life’s way, we make friends who we feel are trustworthy and true, then suddenly, we find ourselves dismissed from their lives. Just as Jesus was betrayal by his best friends, it happens to each of us sometime in life. I asked the Lord about friends…real friends. I needed something to drive away the disappointment, to lift my weary spirit. But…I heard no voice, could find no word of comfort, nothing but silence.

Then, last night, an old friend who died too young came to me in a dream. She seemed so real. I could see her every feature, look into her beautiful dark eyes. The loss of my friend had indeed been painful. Her loyalty was unwavering, unselfish and steadfast—truly irreplaceable. And still, I miss her and long for those golden days when we talked things through, good and bad, and were both better for it.

In my dream, she sat next to me and I pored out my heart to her, sharing all that had happened. She comforted me as only she could. To see her again, even in a dream, made me so happy! When I awoke, I felt that God had sent the vision of my friend simply because…because He knew I needed her. Jesus, the betrayed, the crucified, understood my sorrow and sent comfort through a dream. How precious is that? He thought of me…above all.

Crucified…laid behind the stone
You lived to die, rejected and alone
Like a rose…trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me

…above all

♦

The Shepherdess writes...

I am so excited to announce that SWORD of the WILD ROSE will be produced in audio by Mike Ortega Productions and will be available for your listening pleasure sometime this summer. With all the latest techy devices, I'm sure there will be one that will work for you.

Written within the chronicles of the Davidsons of Wildrose, are one family’s amazing stories of tragedy and loss, of redemption and rebirth, and the miraculous provisions in God’s unconditional love.

Pieced together from letters, oral history, and early church records, is the compelling saga of this ancient clan family, exiled from their native Scotland to begin a new life in the American wilderness. 

Filled with danger, intrigue, and unconditional love, the WILDROSE TRILOGY with its unforgettable characters will take you along on the spiritual journey of one family, into the depths of heartbreak and retribution, to discover the liberating experience of divine forgiveness. 

ENDORSEMENTS

When you open the pages of Sword of the Wild Rose, be ready for a tale that tugs at your heartstrings and keeps you on the edge of your seat. In a story as fresh and relevant as today’s headlines, Ellinger explores the meaning of liberty, courage, honor, and patriotism while weaving a mosaic of history that is colorful, complex, and constantly riveting. With an amazing attention to detail, Ellinger creates a fascinating array of characters who are compelling, passionate, richly crafted and as memorable as your first love.

CAROLE GIFT PAGE, award-winning author of 48 books including, Becoming a Woman of Passion (Fleming Revell)

♥

Masterful…Credible…Delightful…

In her latest novel, Sword of the Wild Rose, Ruth Carmichael Ellinger not only tells an endearing story, but also accurately portrays the character and spirit of Daniel Morgan, a real life revolutionary war general who has not always been adequately recognized for his role in America’s War of Independence. The folksy powerfully built Morgan, however, is died in the Winchester/Frederick County Virginia where he lived and always returned after his military exploits and where his body lies today in Mount Hebron Cemetery.

GEORGE R. SCHEMBER is President of the Winchester Frederick County Historical Society and holds an MA in history from the University of Tennessee. He lives with his wife, Jeanne, in the Daniel Morgan House in Winchester where the General died on July 6, 1802.

The protagonist in the upcoming inspirational novel, Sword of the Wild Rose, is an ancestor of the Davidson family in the two previous novels in the Wildrose series by the same author. Book 1, The Wild Rose of Lancaster, and book 2, Wild Rose of Promise. Sword of the Wild Rose is a “prequel” to books 1 & 2.

The story tells of Clan Davidson’s struggle to survive through the heart-wrenching years of exile from Scotland and their effort to gain a foothold in their new homeland—America. One man, Derick Davidson, is determined to try.

This setting is colonial America, 1773, just prior to the American Revolution. The time frame covers Derick’s life in colonial America and his eventual settling in the Ohio Valley on the future Davidson estate, Wildrose.

After his ship arrives in Boston in 1773, Derick meets Daniel Morgan, the colourful and controversial character who later becomes the famed Revolutionary War hero of Saratoga. The Colonies are on the brink of revolution and Derick again finds himself facing his age-old enemy—the English. Morgan teaches Derick the ways of the American frontiersmen and they form a lifelong and loyal friendship.

During his sojourn in the turbulent American Colonies, Derick seeks an answer to the age-old question—why, God? The death of his young wife, his unlawful act of revenge, and the loss of his children continually plague his mind.

Morgan takes him to Virginia and Derick finds a friend in the beautiful and winsome Kearan Mackenzie, and discovers in her youthful honesty, a comfort and diversion for his grief. Kearan’s heart is torn by love for the handsome Scotsman and her knowledge of his dark past. She longs to help him but he is lost in a world of painful memories that shut her out. She determines to find a way to make him love her.

Years after his arrival in America, Derick encounters a young man during an Indian skirmish along the Ohio River and is overcome when he discovers the youth is his youngest son, William, (referenced in books 1 and 2) who has come to America in search of his father. Their poignant and emotional reunion and subsequent relationship are destined to establish the beginnings of a permanent home for this branch of Clan Davidson in America.

The spiritual journey of Derick Davidson is comparable to his literal quest for freedom from his literal oppressors. This ongoing quest expresses the longing of the soul to be free—even though he cannot understand this common heart-felt human need. It is only when Derick comes face to face with himself that he truly understand that God is the Giver of true spiritual freedom—freedom of the soul. The plan that is unfolding in Derick’s life is a plan that only God himself could orchestrate to bring peace to his troubled life. He finds a peace that passes understanding and a freedom greater than any King or country has to offer. ♦

The Shepherdess speaks...

THE WILL OF GOD

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not keep you

Things I said I would never do…and I have done them all. Never say never.

I could never live east of the Mississippi again.

I could never live in the south.

I could never abide that awful humidity.

I could never live with all those bugs and creepy things.

I could never live on flat land.

I could never live in the path of hurricanes or lightning storms.

I could never leave my children, even if they are grown.

I could never…(the list is longer).

 I am happy doing them because ...

THE WILL OF GOD

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
 
The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Lambs in the sheepfold...

Where did Abiga go?

Alexandria

So much is happening this spring! Two of my grand-daughters are graduating high school.

How blessed I am to be called "their Grammy".  
I have always been a fan of Lord Byron's poetry. In high school, we had to memorize many of the poets and were well versed in classical literature. This particular poem speaks of loveliness and innocence

Emily

She Walks In Beauty like the night

Lord Byron

 She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

The Shepherdess Speaks...

THE JOYFUL PLACE

I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

Psalm 77:6

When I slipped through the French doors to the bricked patio surrounded by thick tropical foliage, miniature palms and a fence covered with night blooming jasmine, a hush lay over the evening, silent and still. It was near midnight and my nightly habit of pausing for some quiet time on the secluded patio had become a custom.

Before climbing into bed each night, I stepped into the night to marvel at the stars one more time, then say a prayer and a goodnight to God, thanking Him for all my blessings at the end of another day.

This night, I sat on a chair and searched the shadowy sky but no stars were visible. The heavens were covered with clouds and a storm was threatening. The stillness gave way to a rising wind that stirred the treetops and rustled among the leaves.

Earlier that evening, I had received some unpleasant news so I lingered on the patio to complain to God. For some time now, I had given myself to working out an unfavorable situation and now, all my efforts seemed in vain. There was no resolution in sight.

The wind stirred and I heard a faint noise, indistinguishable at first, a sound of music perhaps, a melody of sorts. Moments passed and the wind increased and so did the song. Then I knew what it was. Somewhere in the neighborhood, wind chimes were sounding, growing louder as the storm increased in strength and the chiming became a challenge to the oncoming storm, a joyful echo in the midst of the approaching gale. It was then I heard that still small voice speaking to my heart. “Can you sing in the storm? Can you remember that in the darkest times, you can rise above the noisy turmoil that surrounds you and that nothing can take your joy and song?”

I got the message. Looking into the roiling night sky, I prayed for the strength to be like the chimes, a pleasant sound in the dark times of my life, a soothing and joyful song rising above all other voices in the stormy night.

“…Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

The Shepherdess Speaks...

Waiting...

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”

IS 40:31

Photo taken from a window at Blair Castle, Scotland

The Waiting Place

When you wait upon the Lord, you learn to see things from a different perspective, from His perspective.

He is not concerned with time as we who are subject to the passage of moments and days, so we learn to move at His pace, and to function under His directives. The times of waiting are growing times and learning times. When we quiet our heart, we enter into His peace. When we understand more fully our weakness, we receive His strength.

As we lay down our will and submit to His will, His voice becomes clear and we hear Him. Then…we mount up, lifted by the wings of His Spirit, like the lofty eagle. As we move forward, we become sensitive to His timing and when we act, we give ourselves only to the things He has asked us to do.

The Shepherdess Speaks

"Walk me to Heaven's Door"

We often hear about the ‘river of death,’ that darksome, fearsome, wide and terrible river that everyone must cross to enter the eternal realms.  We are not quite certain what awaits us or just how we will make this crossing, but, we can be certain that one day, we will stand on the banks of that river. If we are saved from sin and have served the Lord in our lifetime, We can have the assurance that Jesus will be there to take us across that mysterious river.

During my lifetime, I have walked many weary pilgrims to the banks of that river and I can almost see the gates on the other side. I have held their trembling hand as they silently slipped through the dark and misty corridor just outside that eternal door. Almost, I can hear the angels sing, can almost see the gates open. I strain to see what lies beyond. The gate closes and once again, I am left here to wait.

I say to my beloved, “If I go first, will you walk me to heaven’s door?” He smiles. “Yes. Will you walk me should I go first?”

“Yes,” I say, “I will walk you there, but take me with you this time.”

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 25:8-9

 

My Valentine...

Ah, romance. How could the world exist without it? Impractical, you say, unrealistic, unimportant to the story? Romance paints the setting, the era, the characters, enlivens the drama, every part of your story. Ah qui, mon ami, include some romance. History is alive with it and God himself created it. 

On February 14, 2013, the day was cold, blustery and rainy, rather unusual for our southern climate, so we decided to make a special dinner in the library in front of the fire, our favorite place to be in the wintertime. Wright brought the round table for two and I thought of what dishes would work best for our special night. I chose the Bavarian Mitterteich china, made in Bavaria Germany. It is lovely with a soft muted ecru rose pattern on white, edged in gold with delicate sculpted edges. I coordinated this with burgundy and deep blue.

We started with salad and multi grain bread, pineapple, blueberries, and cottage cheese in a jelled salad topped with whipped cream. We enjoyed this course for at least half an hour

Who needs dinner after this?

While Wright added logs to the fire, I brought in the main course; pork chops in a mango salsa mixed with apricot preserves slow cooked in the crock pot and served with rice and asparagus. We ended the meal with coffee and pumpkin roll. The whole dining time took 2 hours. It was the loveliest way to celebrate with my Valentine

 A favorite table candle, the stag's head

The stag’s head candle holder is the Clan Davidson family crest and always so charming for the table. We used candlelight and firelight and some low lighting to make the ambiance romantic. Oh yes, I am a hopeless romantic!

 

By the fire

~~~~

From the Shapherdess

Among some clippings pinned to the flyleaf of an antique book published in 1915, were some old bits of verse and poetry. I thought this worth sharing. The book is "The Runner's Bible” and I read it almost daily. If you ever come across one, buy it. You’ll love it

Photo of Mandy on the beach

Praying...Dreaming...Believing

State of Mind

If you think you’re beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don’t;

If you like to win but you think you can’t,

It’s almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost;

For out of the world we find,

Success begins with a person’s will,

It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you’re outclassed, you are;

You’ve got to think high to rise;

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the strongest or fastest man;

But soon or late, the man who wins

Is the one who thinks he can!

~~

THE LAST COMMAND

The Last Command

 And Paul said unto the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Acts 27:31

Don’t Give Up the Ship!

We have all heard the impassioned words, “Don’t give up the ship!” While visiting the Lake Erie Maritime Museum, Erie PA, I heard the story behind this quote made famous during the War of 1812. However, this wasn’t the first time those immortal words were uttered. There is something so stirring, yet so distressing in those words. To hold on to hope in the midst of a storm and battle is a challenge to every soul. 

The USS Niagara, part of the American naval fleet, War of 1812, is now docked at the Maritime museum after being raised from the lake and beautifully restored. This year marks the 200^th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. Our party boarded the USS Niagara for the historic presentation of the Niagara’s involvement in the War. Lake Erie a large sea-like lake bordering the northern most borders of Ohio. 

Being fond of reading about historic world warfare, especially in America, I had to know if any of my ancestors were involved in this bloody conflict. As it happens, many were very involved. 

I felt so privileged to run my hands over the polished wood, to stand on the deck and feel the riggings of this famous ship. The ambiance was so impressive and I felt so thankful that someone had the vision to raise and restore it.

A Short History of the Battle

The British could not say “Enough” even after their loss during the American Revolution. Another attempt to conquer the Americans by opening a way inland to the Ohio Valley through the Great Lakes was in progress.

American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry stood ready to intercept and oppose the British war ships. During the summer of 1813, British troops occupied Detroit and depended on supplies shipped across Lake Erie. British officer, Robert Heriot Barclay was ordered to ship supplies to the Royal fleet. 

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was ordered to stop the supply ships. On September 10, 1813, the opposing fleets battled for over two bloody and exhausting hours on the lake. Perry's flagship, the USS Lawrence, fought largely alone as the rest of the fleet held back. With Perry’s ship badly disabled, Perry and his remaining crew rowed to the Niagara and set his battle flag to the Niagara’s mast. With a fresh ship and crew, fierce fighting ensued until every British ship was forced to surrender and the Crown lost a decisive battle where they had hoped to regain control. 

Perry had created his famous battle flag in memory of his friend Capt. James Lawrence who had spoken the famous words, “Don’t give up the ship” as he lay dying on the deck of his ship, the USS Chesapeake.

At this earlier battle in which Captain Lawrence was engaged near Boston battling against Royal Navy HMS Shannon, June 4, 1813, Capt. James Lawrence issued his last command. "Don't Give Up the Ship!". Perry was so inspired by his courage and bravery that he had the words sewn on his battle flag that flew aloft on the Niagara during the Battle of Lake Erie.

Today, this is still the last command from our Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Don’t give up the ship”