All in one...

This post cover several meme's this week because I'm tired and in pain. More at the end on that.

For the Clever Chicks Blog Hop, this is The Boss.

All 22 pullets follow him around the yard. 

The other three cockerels don't stand a chance with those girls or challenge him anymore. He is a good protector of the flock and has enough authority to break up any squabbles!

Nobody messes with him.  

For Tuesday Muse, a photo from my trip to Raleigh in July. 

Echinacea Purpura at JC Raulston Arboretum

And for Rurality Blog Hop (which starts Wednesday) I found this one in the archives.

Another old barn in our area

I'm not sure I like the final edit, but hey, I can always go back and do it again. 

That's the beauty of editing and it's not like I don't have time on my hands, right? :)

Sharing with

SURGERY UPDATE: Appreciate prayers. After basically being bed-ridden for two weeks, if the swelling in my foot is down enough to satisfy the doctor, I will get my cast tomorrow. That has got to be better than this splint and not being able to go anywhere for fear of damaging the work that has been done to my foot. But what do I know. I have had neither before. I just know that the splint is annoying. As the swelling goes down it loosens and twists while I am sleeping, causing it to feel as if a hot poker is being jammed into my new heel :(  The doctor's office has re-wrapped it twice, given us extra padding and showed my husband how to wrap it correctly should I be in agony in the middle of the night, which has happened a several times. Not fun. I'm sorry if I sound like I am whining. Obviously, I am not good with long term pain :)

And I miss spending time outside with my husband and son's in this gorgeous weather, snapping photos, taking care of my chickens, and playing with my grandchildren. 

After typing that pitiful diatribe above, the Lord clearly impressed upon me I need to learn to be content where I am. I need to remember I chose this surgery option so that I can have the hope of walking relatively pain free when the healing is done. I want to always be honest and truthful, not glossing over the pain and despair but always pointing to who I depend upon, who I place my Hope in, and that Christ! He is my constant companion in the darkest of night when the pain is so great. I have spent many hours crying out to him and he has held me fast. He has given me glimpses into what my daughter must have felt like, all those years dependent on others, needing help to the bathroom and with bathing, simply needing someone to carry her drink because she couldn't do it and hold on to the walker with both hands. He is giving me time to ponder and pray. In the midst of my pain, I am gaining a whole new perspective on life!

~Psalm 69:13~

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord.
    At an acceptable time, O God,
    in the abundance of your steadfast love 
answer me in your saving faithfulness.