The 2025 harvest is DONE!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

 Hi everyone,

  I'm sorry for the delay but Robert and I got to go see our daughter and her precious family last weekend.  I said to him, when I realized that 3 days had passed by, that it seems like time stands still on the few days we get to be with them.  

  Then, the day after we got home we had to finish the harvesting as MORE snow was on it's way.  I praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers as we DID get it done that day!  We needed a friend's help, and some innovative truck driving but we GOT IT DONE!  YAYYY!

  Robert was one of the truck drivers.  He was supposed to be the only truck driver as he had taken the first half of the field to the yard by himself but now there was snow and the snow was melting with the nice weather.  The first load that Andrew dumped on the truck broke through the ice/snow and Robert was stuck.

  He told me this story at suppertime.  That load he was able to rock the semi back and forth until he got out.  The second time it happened, he had to be pulled out by Andrew with the tractor and cart.  After that, it was decided that the semis had to be loaded out on the road.  This took more time for the cart to get there so everything was looking pretty bleak.

  That's when Jacob called his buddy Errol who drove the second truck.  Then things proceeded more swiftly and we finished right before sunset. PRAISE THE LORD!!

  Errol is an amazing young man who has helped us with many harvests.  This year, though, he got a full time job and hasn't been able to help at all. Being we were desperate for help, Errol's boss said he could take the afternoon off to drive truck for us so we could finish harvesting our corn. 

 It is highly unlikely that we would have gotten finished that day without Errol's help and the next day there was more snow!  This year so far we've had more snow than all of last Winter!  It looks like it's going to be a white Christmas and a very long Winter.

  Anyway, we got our harvesting done.  I took a video when I was riding in the combine with my son.  I'll see if I can figure out how to share it here.  I hope this works.  If not, you can check it out here:  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1141095547847376

  We were talking about how wonderful our combine it.  The cart has tracks so that the weight can be distributed.  Then the cart doesn't sink in even when a full combine hopper is dumped on it quickly.  The combine, though, has tall thin tires so that it can go between the rows and not drive down the crop.  This helps it float on top of the snow so away we went.  Only once did I feel the combine slip when we were turning around at the end of a row.

  So we got it done and we are oh so happy.  Thanks a million for your prayers and may God bless you for them!  

  I still have to make bread yet today so I'd best sign off for now.  Keep warm everybody.

  Dawn

We REALLY need your prayers today!

 

Please pray for Robert, Andrew, and Jacob today.

They need to go to Bismarck and pick up a UHaul trailer. Then go to Mandan and move out everything that is left in my mother-in-law's apartment.

Then they need to bring the load of furniture here (75 miles); empty the trailer; and take it back to Bismarck (60 miles) and come back home.

They'd have until 10:30 tomorrow morning to return the trailer but it's supposed to be icy tomorrow again so it needs to be returned today.

It's nearly impossible on good roads to get all of that done and we have no idea what the roads are like today because we just had an ice storm 2 days ago.

Still, prayer moves obstacles out of our way! I'd have gone along but my legs are too weak to help carry things to the trailer.....

May God bless each one of you who keeps our family in your prayers! My mother-in-law seems to be settling into nursing home life pretty well. It's quite a shock to leave her apartment of 15 years but she needs more care now. Her adjusting well, and having made a friend already, is the good news!

Love and prayers to all of you praying friends around the world.

Dawn

Our Inheritances

 When my father died in 2014, and my mother dead for 5 years at that point, I got my inheritance.  When all was said and done, I got a little over a million dollars from my parents who lived frugally all their lives.

  I'm trying to be nice here but Robert's dad drank and gambled away his inheritance and that of his brothers.  Recently we moved his mom to the nursing home which will take every last penny, except what we need to bury her, and Robert's inheritance will be next to nothing.

  We've been busy cleaning out my mother-in-law's apartment.  We're getting the table and chairs for the break room in the shop.  I'm getting a few kitchen things that I don't have already.  My daughters will get the rest. Andrew is taking the couch and Jacob the bedroom set and that will be that. There will be NO INHERITANCE for my husband who gave his first 30 years of his life to keep their farm running.  

  My heart aches for my husband and his brothers.  It's not fair but that's how it is.  It makes me glad that I was able to share my inheritance with my husband.  He used it well to build up our farm and buy the grain cleaning business we've grown over the past 10 years.  I got a brand new beautiful modular home and I am happy to see our family farm growing--no thanks to my husband's parents.

  We're not bitter.  We've worked hard and the Lord opened the doors for us to buy our own farm in 2003.  We've been here 22 years and we are so glad that God gave us a second chance at farming!  HE GAVE US THIS FARM!  God did that!  

  I guess what I'm trying to say is that God takes care of His own children.  Even when someone has lousy parents, who steal their inheritances, God helps His children to thrive!!  

  God has taken us two and turned us into a family of 15.  All of us live on farms!!  All of our grandchildren are being taught to love and serve our loving Heavenly Father through home schooling!  We are blessed way more than we can imagine for living frugally and working hard!  

  As I was thinking about this, I decided to share Robert's and my all time favorite movie--THE INHERITANCE.   Have you seen it?  Love is the greatest inheritance of all--God's love and human love!  Somehow the Lord has blessed us with the greatest blessing--His salvation--and His earthly riches.

  Now I'm not saying that our inheritance is anything like Edith's--I can even say ours is better.  We don't live in a mansion, just a modular home without a garage, but it is filled with love.  Also, Robert and I have the added satisfaction of knowing that our children WILL receive a sizeable inheritance when we're both walking the streets of gold!

   We've sacrificed a lot to buy this farm but our children worked alongside of us all the way.  They learned our work ethic.  They learned our dependence on the Almighty when the crops were failing or a child was lost to a miscarriage.  They learned that love is what matters more than anything else in this world!

  As you watch THE INHERITANCE, you are bound to notice Henry's love for Edith and her love for him in return.  No it's not a romantic love but a true love of mutual respect and honor. That's all I dare say but I hope you will take this evening and watch one of the best movies ever made.  Remember, love is the greatest inheritance of them all!

  God bless you all,

  Dawn

What have you done for YOU today?

 Hello everyone,

  We had a different kind of Thanksgiving this year.  Cora and family weren't able to get away from the dairy so they weren't here.  Then Jacob was with his girlfriends, Sharon, down in SD.  However, we were able to have Robert's Mom join us as we got her moved to the nursing home nearby.  

  THAT WAS A STRESSFUL DAY!  I mean the day that we moved her out of her apartment and into the nursing home.  

  The day before that Robert went to the apartment where his brother and wife had come to from Fargo.  Then they packed up the few chairs she could take and whatever decorations she wanted and, of course, all of her clothing and personal care items.

  Robert had brought the Uhaul trailer here that night and then we took it to Napoleon.  Ron and Bev spent the last night that Marly had in her home of 15 years.  Then they drove the 70 miles to Napoleon and we all met in the chapel at Wentz Living Center.

  All morning we spent helping Marly through the admittance process.  Then they showed us her room.  The nursing home fed us a very delicious meal and we were encouraged that the food would be delicious for our Mom.

  After that we spent the afternoon unpacking all of Marly's belongings.  There was much discussion about where to put the boxed flag that was draped over her husband's coffin as he was a veteran of the Korean War.  There were other items that needed to be squeezed into such a small space.  The 2 horses that her children had played with.  Her vintage farina jar that had belonged to her mother.  The wooden cat that had looked over her family gatherings for 6 or 7 decades.  

  Finally it was all unpacked and Ron and Bev left for her apartment to spend the night.  They were taking the guest bedroom set they had slept in many times while visiting his mom.  Marly seemed desperate not to be alone so Robert and I stayed and had her first supper with my husband's 91 year old mother.  Did I say that the food is delicious.

  So Marly has lived in her new home almost 2 weeks.  She is doing so well!  She plays Bingo every day and they have exercise time.  Marly loves to do puzzles and so do others who live there.  My mother-in-law told me that she walked by a puzzle and saw where a piece went so she put it in. It seemed nice to her to be doing puzzles with others who enjoy doing that!

  The other night at supper my husband said "I saw Mom today."  He had to go to the bank so he drove to the nursing home; walked in; visited his mother for 15 minutes; and walked out.  THIS IS SO GOOD!  Where she lived before, even when we were in Bismarck, her apartment was the wrong direction for us to stop and see her on our way home.  

  So it's a good move and we are thankful to have her closer to us!!  On Marly's birthday, which was a few days before Thanksgiving, Robert brought her here for the day.  She wasn't alone and Andrew's family got to give her hugs too.  Marie had even made her a cake so we celebrated my mother-in-law turning 91 together!  I am so very happy that she can be in our lives now!

  Marly likes to walk so she has been exploring the facility every day.  Once, she said, she got lost but kept going until she found her wing.  Of course, a staff member could have helped her but that staunch German in her kept her searching until she was home.  I am so proud of her!!!

  This post is in honor of the wonderful staff who now looks after my mother-in-law and all caretakers!  I think I'll see if I can find a poem about those who care for the elderly.  I'll be right back.

  Yes I found some but I like this one the best.  Although my mother-in-law does not have dementia, she is very forgetful.  She had forgotten that I was there helping her get settled in her room on her admittance day. That's all right, Robert knew that I was by his side helping on the hardest day of HIS life. 

  May the Lord bless all who care for those who cannot care for themselves any longer!  I am also writing to honor my daughters who both care for their 4 children.  Cora and Marie are home school mothers and, having home schooled my 3 children, I know how much balancing that takes.  

  I cannot leave it there, though, as how could my daughters home school if they didn't have super hard-working husbands who work tirelessly to meet the financial needs of their families?  Then Michael and Andrew come home and are "DADDY" to their little ones. 

  As I have said many times, parenting is the most difficult job anyone could undertake!  Fortunately, God has laid this huge responsibility on two people--a man and his wife.  WHAT A GREAT GOD WE SERVE!!

  Lastly I want to honor my dear husband, Robert, who sustained me all of those years of balancing the needs of the household with educating my children in a Godly home.  Robert is my greatest hero and the BEST dad AND grandpa I have ever known!  His support while I was in the thick of managing our household; caring for the animals; gardening and food preservation; plus home schooling is why I survived shingles on the brain in 2006.  To Robert, my caretaker while I recovered the following 2 years, I love you sweetie!!!!  May God  bless you for all you do for our family!

  To all caretakers everywhere, God sees your sacrifices for others!  Remember to take a little time for YOU every day so you don't fall apart like I did!  For me, it's playing my piano.  Even if it's just my piano drills and 1 song, I am so much happier after I play.  It's my happy time.  I hope you will celebrate you every day because YOU MATTER!!

  Until next time,

  Dawn

Guiding Light

When shadows loom and the path ahead seems unclear, a caregiver’s presence brings warmth and direction. This poem captures the essence of being a beacon during trying times.

In the dark, you are the flame,

Guiding, glowing, always the same.

Through the storm, and calm’s delight,

You shine ever so bright, our guiding light.

 

Moments heavy, moments light,

You chase away the darkest night.

With patience vast and love so deep,

You awaken dreams from their sleep.

 

Though the journey is often long,

Your love is an endless song.

Guiding, guarding, taking flight,

Our beacon, our eternal guiding light.

Happy birthday Marly

  This has been a super stressful week for us Bornemanns.  Robert's mom had to be moved to the nursing home near us.  It took lots of cooperation with Robert's brother and his wife to get the work done but it wasn't easy.

   Thursday at 10:00 AM we all met at the chapel of the nursing home to do the admittance process.  It took about 3 hours.  Then they gave all 5 of us a complimentary lunch which was delicious.

 

  After that we began the process of making an institutional bedroom into "Home" for my mother-in-law.  I'm so glad my brother-in-law bought his mom a dorm frig so Marly can have a few things to eat at all times.  
 

  Robert and I stayed with his mom after his brother and wife had to leave.  I was so tired that I actually took a nap on Marly's bed while Robert and his mom completed more forms.  Then the 3 of us had supper together and we left her there.

  

  Marly had lived in her apartment for 15 years so the adjustment is huge!!!  Please pray for her as the Lord leads you.  

  The next big job is cleaning out her apartment.  UGGGG.  Fortunately my son is close to proposing to his girlfriend so he has been offered whatever furniture he would like.  His "The price is right" comment makes me think he may take quite a bit of it.  YAY!

  Today was Marly's 91st birthday so we had a small birthday party for her here at the farm.  It was really nice and, being she's been here many times, she relaxed quickly.  

  

  As I debated what to give her for her birthday, I remembered a painting that her deceased sister had done.  When I gave it to her, she was so happy.  It's of a team of horses pulling a mower with the farmer sitting on it.  One could almost smell the fresh hay being cut for Winter.  

  After we feasted together and my mother-in-law opened her presents, we visited for a couple of hours.  Then it was time for Robert to take his mom back to her new home.  We are so very happy that she now lives much closer to us. When she lived in her apartment, it was a 70 mile drive to take her home--now it is only 13 miles. YAY

  So, as Sabbath ends, we're turning our thoughts back to finishing harvest.  It's supposed to snow on Monday night so the guys are pushing hard to get the furthest away quarter finished before that.  We'll still have the quarter right here by the farm but then they can park the combine in the shop at night.  It is NO FUN trying to start a combine outside when it's cold outside.  I'd appreciate prayers to get that further away quarter done before the weather turns cold.

  That's all the news for now. I pray God blesses you all in the new week! 

  Dawn

  PS  This song is dedicated to my 91 year old mother-in-law who just moved into the nursing home.

          

Encounter God’s Heart…

The Time Is Now

Jesus the Messiah was long awaited not only by the Jewish nation but by every nation. The woman at the well knew that the Anointed One was coming and that he would reveal what they needed to know. Jesus, revealing his true identity, disclosed to this woman what he had only revealed to a few before. He was the one they had been awaiting. What a beautiful gift this was to her—and to us today. There is no need to wait a moment longer to experience the all-consuming love of Christ. He has more comfort with which to wrap you up than you can imagine. His peace passes all understanding. His joy is deep, like a spring-fed lake that is always receiving fresh water. Consider what you have been waiting for, and let today be the day you let yourself receive the abundance of Christ’s kingdom right here and now. He is the perfect portion we are looking for. He has more than enough grace to infuse our lives. Today is all we have. This moment is our invitation to receive what God offers.   Messiah, unveil the eyes of my heart to see you here and now, right where I am.   From God Is Love written by Brian Simmons

John 4:26 The Passion Translation   Jesus said to her, “You don’t have to wait any longer, the Anointed One is here speaking with you—I am the One you’re looking for.”

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Overwhelmed?

 Today I am really hurting.  I had to go to Bismarck yesterday to see my chiropractor and to get groceries.  satan got me good when I was shopping and the affects of the attack persist today.  I covet your prayers as I try to get back to work with this pain in my hand.  

  This devotional helps me to keep focusing on the Lord--not the pain.  May it bless some of you although the last thing I would want is for you to be in pain.  Let's all seek God in stillness!

  In His service,

  Dawn

 

Encounter God’s Heart…

Stillness

You were created to feel his touch—to sense his voice as it rises softly from the depths of your being. The mystery of his presence is unmistakably real, but in order to experience it, you must be intentional. Don’t shy away from stillness. Set time aside to wait in the Lord’s presence, even if it feels uncomfortable at first and you hear nothing. The truth is that stillness is teeming with spiritual activity. Be still. There is beauty in silence. Let every breath become a movement of worship. Find yourself in the midst of YAHWEH. Still your mind and yield every thought to his holy presence. He is with you right now. See Jesus gazing at you with eyes of love, lifting you above your circumstances as he soars on the wings of spirit-wind. You were created for the holy, outrageous, and indescribable.   Jesus, I posture my heart before your presence. Overtake every thought so that I’m focused on only you. I feel the presence of heaven—brushing against my skin and refreshing me with gusts of tangible love. Your presence is intoxicating. Everything I desire is found in you.   From Ever Present Love written by Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez

John 3:8 The Passion Translation   “For the Spirit-Wind blows as it chooses. You can hear its sound, but you don’t know where it came from or where it’s going. So it is the same with those who are Spirit-born!”

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YOU HAVE GROWN!

 

It's been glum here.  My favorite aunt passed away and my mother's dear friend (and mine also) both passed away.  In fact, their funerals were the very same day--last Saturday.

  I wasn't able to attend my aunt's funeral as it was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  I couldn't afford a flight and Robert couldn't get away to drive with me to it as we're still harvesting.  sigh

  I planned to attend Phyliss's funeral but the night before we got our first snow.  I wasn't brave enough to drive the 80 miles on treacherous roads so I stayed home and moped.

  Then the Lord brought my son's friend and brother plus his girlfriend so we had a belated birthday party for both of the young men.  Their birthdays are a day apart and Adrian brought this wonderful cake from Sam's Club. with red, white, and blue cars on top to honor his and Jacob's passion for drifting.    

I stand amazed at how the Lord works.  Adrian lives alone and I asked him how cooking is going.  He said, "I guess I should get a crock pot so I can have warm food when I get home from work."  Just like that I had an inspiration.

  My mother-in-law had given me a small crockpot as she's cleaning out her apartment.  We're moving her to an assisted living facility sometime this month.  

  When Adrian said he needs a crockpot, I went in my cupboard and brought out the small one I was given.  I have a large one and, with cooking for 3 adults, I haven't had need of such a small one yet.  I handed it to Adrian and said "Happy Birthday!"  You should have seen his delight!!

  Was I supposed to stay home so that Adrian now has a crockpot he needs?  Who can say?  God's ways are so much higher than ours but I was encouraged to know that my staying home from the funeral blessed a friend.  :)

  Here's another November poem for all of us to ponder.  I pray that we all can draw strength from knowing that God wants to bless us at every turn.  

  Keep warm,

  Dawn

Embrace November

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

In November's embrace, we find solace,
A moment to pause, reflect, and face.
The challenges and triumphs we've known,
November whispers, "You have grown."

So let us welcome this month with grace,
Embracing change at its steady pace.
For November holds the promise anew,
Of growth, resilience, and dreams pursued.

  

A poem of November

      A Time Of Transition

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

November, a time of transition and grace,
A month that holds a unique place.
As the year draws closer to its end,
November whispers, "Reflect and mend."

Leaves fall gently, painting the ground,
In hues of amber, red, and brown.
Nature sheds its vibrant attire,
Preparing for a season to inspire.

The air grows crisper, colder each day,
And daylight slowly fades away.
November's chill reminds us true,
To seek warmth in the things we do.

It's a time for gratitude and thanks,
For counting blessings, filling love's banks.
With hearts open wide, we gather near,
To share laughter, joy, and cheer.

November carries stories of the past,
Of heroes brave and memories that last.
It's a reminder to honor and remember,
Those who've walked this path, each November.

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What do you love most about November?

 Hello everyone,

  I don't know where this year has flown to.  I can't believe it's November already! 

  November is a big birthday month for our family.  My 2 sons were born in November.  1 of my grandsons was born in November and my mother-in-law was born in November.  That, plus my very favorite holiday of the year THANKSGIVING makes November a wonderful month in my mind!

  There certainly are LOTS of poems about November and I loved all of the ones I read.  This one stuck out to me, though, as it speaks of those who went before us.

  I truly have very few happy memories of my childhood but this one stands out.  I'm sure that's part of the reason I love Thanksgiving so much.  

  My mothers sisters came to Dakota for Thanksgiving.  My mother had 3 sisters who all lived along the West coast.  I must have been about 6 or 7 years old when Martha, Ella, and Pauline came to help us celebrate Thanksgiving.  It was an amazing experience.

  Being there were so many family members who wanted to get to see my mother's sisters, they rented the back room of THE LUNCHENETTE in Eureka, South Dakota.  It was filled with my mother's relatives and food and LAUGHTER!  That laugher sticks in my mind even now.  THANKSGIVING WAS WONDERFUL!!!  It s still is.  :)

  Here's a poem that stirs up those old happy memories for me.  It also fills me with anticipation for this year's Thanksgiving day.  May it fill our 8 grandchildren with the same joys I was filled with so long ago!

  Lots of love,

  Dawn

  PS  This picture is just like the one I have in my memory of that Thanksgiving so long ago--everyone happy at being together!!

A Time Of Transition

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

November, a time of transition and grace,
A month that holds a unique place.
As the year draws closer to its end,
November whispers, "Reflect and mend."

Leaves fall gently, painting the ground,
In hues of amber, red, and brown.
Nature sheds its vibrant attire,
Preparing for a season to inspire.

The air grows crisper, colder each day,
And daylight slowly fades away.
November's chill reminds us true,
To seek warmth in the things we do.

It's a time for gratitude and thanks,
For counting blessings, filling love's banks.
With hearts open wide, we gather near,
To share laughter, joy, and cheer.

November carries stories of the past,
Of heroes brave and memories that last.
It's a reminder to honor and remember,
Those who've walked this path, each November.

Your prayers made the difference!!!

 Thanks sooo much for your prayers yesterday! Today I am well enough to travel to see my chiropractor and get groceries.  As always, I love to share a poem and/or a song to express what I'm going through.

A Heart of Gratitude

O Lord, my heart is full of praise,
For answered prayers through all my days.
Your mercy flows, Your love so true,
Each whispered prayer, You always knew.

When storms arose and shadows fell,
You heard my cries, You knew me well.
Your guiding hand, Your gentle care,
Reminded me You’re always there.

For blessings seen and those concealed,
For every wound Your grace has healed,
I lift my voice, my thanks to bring,
To You, my Savior, my everything.

Forever grateful, Lord, I’ll be,
For prayers You’ve answered faithfully.
In every moment, joy or strife,
Your love sustains my soul and life.

Isn't that beautiful?  Your love sustains my soul and life!!  He certainly does!!

I thought of this song, too, as it's been special to Robert and I since our first Thanksgiving as parents.  

My parents, Robert, and I with child traveled to Milwaukee, WI for Thanksgiving.  My dad's sister's family lived there and they were hosting the family gathering that year.  

My uncle took us to this huge church on Thanksgiving morning.  There was a black woman who sang WE ARE SO BLESSED.  It gives me thrills to this day and that was 38 years ago.  Robert and I sat there and cried as we pondered all of the blessings God had showered us with and now a new one--a child of our own!!

May this post thrill you as you ponder how richly blessed the children of God are!!

Lots of love,

Dawn