I called this Trees & Arrows for a reason. As I sit in my wing-back chair, contemplating actually writing a blog, I have to consider what I'd call it. What would I write about? Who might read it? What is my goal here, anyway? Even this first paragraph is begging for a hundred different beginnings. They'll have to wait...
We are a Christian family. I know that can mean just about anything these days, so I'll cover that in a later story. My name is Kathi. I am the wife of Matt. He works with wood. Our aim is to have him work from home someday. We have 5 beautiful children. It's hard to believe how beautiful and amazing they are. We are truly blessed. As their parents, we are striving to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
This is where "Trees & Arrows" came from. It's sort of an odd combination of our love of trees and nature and wood in general, but ultimately it's a reference to Psalm 127:3-4.
3) Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4) Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.

It's a bad analogy, but bear with me...arrows are made from trees. (at lease they used to be) But you can't just snap a branch off and nock it in your bow. It needs to be shaped, smoothed, sharpened. Once we have done all we can to make it the best we can, we release it and let it go where the Lord may take it. The idea that He can even make a bent arrow fly straight is comforting.
All that said, I feel like Trees & Arrows sums up what we're about in a catchy way.
I'll give a broader, brief overview of who we are. As I said, there are 7 of us on our little homestead-y plot. We currently have somewhere around 9 chickens. We randomly lose one, but then our broody hen slowly replenishes the flock. There are 2 yearling does that we plan to breed this fall. The goal is to sell the kids and consume the milk. This past year we did not have a garden. Long story. but next year we plan to resume growing our own beans, and then some.
We home school the five arrows. I love where we're at with that. It's taken a long time, 9 or 10 years, but I think I've finally found "THE" curricula that works for us. The best part is, it provides time for the kids to pursue their interests. The older two have jobs. Actually, the middle child does too. Just the two little ones are left wondering what to do about money. Honestly, the youngest doesn't have a clue or care. But I tell you what! It is amazing to be able to work through these real life circumstances with them at these ages. The opportunity to teach and train our own children is a gift from the Lord. And a command. So there's that. Another story.
Again, my husband works with wood. He's been a cabinet maker for going on 23 years. We just broke the bank and bought a Woodmizer sawmill. That was super exciting!! But life and all the things that keep us busy, well, they keep us busy, and we haven't yet been able to put as much time and effort into pushing the side business. All in the Lord's time. We are not stressed. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 6-7). So that's what we're doing, to the best of our ability; being thankful, praying, and trusting the Lord.
There is so much more that could be said, and hopefully will be, in time. We hope you'll stick around and follow us to see how things unfold. It's a grand story we're a part of. You might not want to miss it. I know I don't.
I want to tell you how proud I am of you and your choice for a husband and your journey in the Christian faith together. You certainly are blessed with a beautiful family. and you and Matt have both been on track with raising your little arrows. Kathi, you had it together from the beginning and that can make all the difference in the world for making the right choices in life and raising the arrows with high standards and a solid faith. Your Aunt Vicki