Author Archives: Katie Nix

When all is well

Posted on by under Hospitality, Musings

When we think we have it all running smoothly, sometimes we are thrown a curve ball. A few days ago I wrote a post called doubling our size, how we’re hosting some young men this week. Thursday I was sick as could be, couldn’t hardly move without hurting. I had gotten some stitches out from getting a large mole removed and it felt like infection had set in. I slept most the day and took probiotics later in the day, thanks to Mat’s suggestion, which seemed to help immensely. Today I am feeling much better.

So what did I think of first when I wasn’t able to wake up and make lunch or supper? God has a lesson for me here. This work that we are doing is not dependent on me. Things may run a little more smoothly and people may get fed in a more timely manner, but they get fed, they have a good time.

So, if you think you need a clean home, a well planned meal, and perfect health to show hospitality, I just proved that notion wrong. 3 John 1:5-8 is an encouragement to me in showing hospitality among believers.

“Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”

Our little rock

Posted on by under Family
Another fine day in the lake ... just before the attack.

Another fine day in the lake at the cabin.

Our Peter was born seven years ago today. We’ve seen him grow in wisdom and stature especially over this last year. There is a lot to love about this boy and a lot to learn from him. “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers.” 1 Timothy 4:12. He has definitely challenged us with his energy and strong will. He has blessed us with who God has made him to be.

The ways of Peter that we love:

  • He is an excellent big brother. 2.5 years ago Silas trained him and with lots of encouragement in gentleness he has become a much better leader. The change has been seen with Josiah. He is still an intense boy, but so loving and playful with his brothers.
  • He inspires all sorts of people to follow him.
  • He is understanding. When we heard seemingly undecipherable toddler mumbles from Silas, Peter would understand and interpret.
  • He sees things we don’t. When Josiah is grumpy, he often knows why when we don’t.
  • He is great at making others smile.
  • He is innovative. Whether cutting paper, using Duplos or Legos, or just some sticks and mud, he is always creating.
  • He keeps pushing through obstacles. Though he doesn’t always like the work he is doing (like learning to read or fill the dishwasher) he does it.
  • He learns from his mistakes. Sometimes slowly.
  • He is strong. Physically, yes. Mentally, yes. Strong willed, yes. He knows what he wants.
  • He is witty. I love his silly jokes and his love for April fools day.
  • He loves to work. Especially on jobs that requires strength and exertion.
  • He is curious. That leads to great questions, experiments, concoctions, and little boy messes that bring such joy when we are not looking to our own comfort and convenience.
  • He is adventurous and often lets Silas in on fighting dragons and bad guys of all sorts. Josiah, at 6 months, has even been able to join some Imaginext adventures.
  • He rises early and has learned to do so quietly.
  • He loves board games. His favorites include Eureka, Agricola, and Ticket to Ride.
  • He loves his brothers in more ways than one. Silas still has a little potty. The other day we found Peter and Silas just sitting on their respective toilets talking.

May the Lord take all of these passions and character traits and use them for His glory!

The moment of the attack!

The moment of the attack!

It's a deadly sea turtle!

It’s a deadly sea turtle!

No worries, Peter's got it under control!

No worries, Peter’s got it under control!

Doubling our size

Posted on by under Urban connect
Aman, Ephraim, Silas, Yosef and Peter

Aman, Ephraim, Silas, Yosef and Peter

Yesterday marked another first. Three young men arrived with Mat’s dad to spend the week with us. So far they’ve learned to shoot a bow and arrow, begun construction on a chicken brooder, eaten lots of food, played board games, and collected sap from the maple trees. Tonight we will bring them to a country church youth group.

I am blessed to have in-laws so caring as mine. They sent food along, which has made this new task seem not so daunting. I am encouraged by my husband who has not left me alone with all the house work and a sickly little baby, but has asked the boys to help with cleanup and even stepped in himself. I am challenged by my little ones who continually need discipline, yet energized when my oldest does an extra job without being asked and my middle wants to help me make monster cookies.

I have a major headache after a night with little sleep, please pray for me as I am challenged to feed 8 rather than 4. Please also remember my mom this week as she starts radiation for some cancer spots that aren’t going away. Please pray for safety and rest and a blessed time for the young men who visit us this week.

Country Life

Posted on by under Farm, Musings

Spring is coming

As I sit here listening to Lecrae, I wonder how country life will change me, my children, my relationships, my church, etc. We’ve officially been in this rural community for seventeen days. What a change from the center of Minneapolis. Certainly it has changed my family life already. We don’t have to rush off somewhere nearly as often. The nearest town is fifteen minutes away, twenty if we hit a deer. We sit down at the table for breakfast and don’t get up until devotions are done. That has been a blessed change in our lives. I’ve read posts, heard sermons, even have given my own testimony to the importance of devotions, yet often forget and let them get pushed out of our busy lives. I am reminded again to the importance of this task. I am easily angry and irritable, I grew up with this problem and it continues in my heart to this day. What a difference I see when we get into the word. I find myself enjoying more, praising more, being patient and thankful more. Don’t wait until you get out of the chaos of life to make devotions central to your life. Here’s what we’ve been going through this Easter week: Let Your Kingdom Come – Preparing your hearts for the King A post from Pastor Sam at Bethlehem.

Easter Week

Posted on by under Musings

Here is one great reason to love homeschooling…
This week we were able to stop for a few days and talk about Jesus. We focused on Easter and what it really is. Silas, at two, even got in on the action. We did a magnet page that states, “He is Risen!” What understanding little ones have. A few times a day I hear, “Jesus died on the cross for our sins” in his little voice. With Peter, who will be seven next week, we went a bit more in depth. We read Luke 19 and talked about what he discussed at Sunday School. He had a great question and so we went on to Psalm 22. To have such depth of scripture in a school day is a blessing. To have a boy that comprehends these truths and has a thirst for them is beyond a blessing. What a great reminder to me of the task before me. My little ones are a beautiful ministry to enjoy and pour my heart into. I love my job.

Check out our Easter garden made with wheat berries.
P1070320
Hopefully it will sprout by Easter Sunday!

Easter preschool printables from confessionsofahomeschooler.com

Easter devotion from passionatehomemaking.com

I love Family Life’s resurrection eggs, but if you want to be frugal, here’s a link to make something similar: Homemade Resurrection Eggs.

Maple Syrup Time

Posted on by under Farm, Maple Syrup
Mathew driving to cut firewood for maple syrup production

Mathew driving to cut firewood for maple syrup production

Sap is here. It has been a long winter, but it is warm enough and our tree sap started running today. The days must be warm with the nights getting below freezing still. Mat went out again today to check our maple trees and to tap a few more. He took along some materials to cut firewood for our boiler.

When I hear something over and over sometimes I just accept it without understanding. Mat cut nearly a cord of wood. Today I was finally given understanding of what a cord is. It is 4 ft by 4 ft by 8 ft of cut wood. A maple syrup evaporator can make 25 gallons of maple syrup out of one cord of wood. We’ll see how much we get with our homemade evaporator.

We’re excited for the sap to flow. Please pray we have the endurance to keep up when we have more sap than we can handle.