A fun family trip

 We had the great joy last weekend of rejoicing with the Wilkes and Neely families as Matthew Wilkes and Amanda Neely became Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Wilkes. The wedding just happened to be ten hours south though, so we had to get ready for the trip. An hour before we hit the road, this is what our van looked like:

Then as we started out on the road, it looked more like this:

(A Mother's Day present;)

Before I show any wedding picture I should apologize for the blurry picutures - they were most certainly not intentional!

The wedding was very beautiful. Before the ceromony began, there was pretty music playing.

 

As part of the ceromony, the sisters of the bride and two friends came out and sang.

Matthew shares about the coming of Christ for His bride, the Church before recieving his precious bride, Amanda from her father.

The bridal party comes down the isle...

The bride and groom!

 

A beautiful reception followed, during which many girls spent time cooing over a sweet little baby girl.

Then, on our way home, we got to visit an indian reservation and a frontier settlement.

We were surpirsed to see an organ in the cabin, but if they're anything like me, they need their music somehow!

The other side of the above room...

My brother Luke saw the herbs hanging in the kitchen and enthusiastically told me "Look Patience! They were hanging herbs in their kitchen!" - precious;).

There were so many beautiful landscapes to capture with the camera lens. :)

When we saw this chicken coop, we were very impressed. We though it was a step up from the Normoyle idea of a chicken coop (a 20th century camper set up for chickens with roosts and nesting boxes). This one had a sophisticated-looking roost (to us;) and fine looking nesting boxes! We were inspired!!

Their growing garden...

Animal barn and buggys...

Veiw from the barn...

Enjoying gorgeous scenery...

A last look at the cabin.

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. ~Proverbs 4:18

Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. ~Psalm 119:35

The Smokies

I'm so grateful for spring!

Oh, and did I already say that long trips means lots of car time. This was an innovator with his innovative tent idea. Love you Nate!

Car trips also mean plenty of rest for some (but maybe not so much sleep for others:).

This was Matthew and Amanda's wedding verse. Remember His goodness - forget not His benefits!! 
  "Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!" ~Psalms 31:19

We're in Business!

Today we went out to a local plant exchange with all of our herbal products. Grace brought her harp and we had a fabulous time of fellowship and a considerable profit! The Lord abundantly blessed our time there!! After selling a few salves, we decided it would be good to put all the herbs and their properties up on the blog (those lists are located immediately below:).  The price sheets for our products are below the product information. In case you were wondering, the products we are selling are "To the Rescue" salves and creams  and poison ivy salve along with some delicious teas. Enjoy your reading!

To the Rescue Herbs include...

* Comfrey: Helps knit the skin and broken bones back together. It is also an anti-inflammatory and is very helpful for burns and bruises.

* Yarrow: Helps congeal blood, soothe skin, and is anti-inflammatory.

* Plantain: Helps relieve pain, inflammation, and itch, caused by poison ivy and other rashes. It is also very helpful for burns.

* Catnip: Helps support the nervous system and relieves pain.

* Lavender: Helps support nervous system, gives pain relief, and is antibacterial.  It is a well-known skin herb.

* Thyme:  Helps fight against bacteria and is an antiseptic herb.  It is an antibacterial and an antiseptic herb.  It is a great wound  herb. 

* St. John’s Wort: Helps restore the nervous system, and relieves pain.  It is antiviral and an anti-inflammatory.  It helps repair bruises, sprains, burns, etc.

* Aloe Vera Gel*:  Helps improve circulation and makes repairs at a cellular level.  It softens and soothes inflamed surfaces and stops external bleeding.  Aloe Vera is antibacterial and antifungal.

* To the Rescue products such as the salves do not have Aloe Vera gel in them, only the cream contains Aloe Vera gel. If you are allergic to Aloe….please do not use the cream.

No extra scents were added in an attempt to be hypoallergenic.  All ingredients are wild harvested.Products are not meant to substitute care from your doctor.

Disclaimers:  The information above is only for educational and experimental purposes. It has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration - we are not doctors - this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Products are not meant to substitute care from your doctor.No extra scents were added in an attempt to be hypoallergenic.  All ingredients are wild harvested.  Product was made in a kitchen that uses nuts, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs.

 

To the Rescue Salve Testimonies

-When a harp teacher cut her finger on an aluminum foil cutter, she applied some salve and later told us: “This is a miracle cream! My pain disappeared in 15 minutes and I can play harp again!”

-This salve is AMAZING!!!  We have found that it takes the pain out of cuts, abrasions, and bruises.  (Try it on a paper cut!)  It soothes a minor burn and removes the itching from a bug bite.  I have also found it brings comfort to aching joints and I often use it on my hands.  We use it in place of Neosporin and my girls have learned to ask for the salve for any skin irritation or bump they get.   When the kids come running, they aren't looking for Mama's kiss anymore, they are looking for 'Miss Patience's Salve'!  A little goes a long way, and we keep one jar in the cupboard and another in the diaper bag for 'on the  go' emergencies.  Love it!

~ Mother of five

 

           Poison Ivy Salve

Scared of gardening? Does your skin have terrible reactions to poison ivy? We have an answer! Poison Ivy Salve is packed with wild herbs that offer healing and comfort to your itchy, infected skin.  The best thing about this salve is that if you know you will be hiking or gardening soon, simply rub some salve onto your skin and it should protect you from further complications.  And if you forget, simply apply the Poison Ivy Salve after the exposure. Your skin will enjoy the benefits and medicinal properties of the herbs in the salve.

    

Poison Ivy Salve Ingredients

Olive oil is great for skin and helpful in healing, is high in A, D, and E.

Plantain is a powerful astringent (pulls out poison) and good for pain, itch, rash and inflammations.

Comfrey is great for breaks, bruises, cuts, and burns. It is also an anti-inflammatory herb.

Jewelweed is a well-known antidote for poison ivy. It is also very gentle and soothing on the skin.  

Chickweed is wonderful for softening and soothing inflamed surfaces.  It is also an astringent.

Yarrow stops bleeding and soothes the skin.

Beeswax is an all-natural, environmentally friendly thickener.

This salve may easily be used on a variety of different skin ailments such as burns, eczema, cuts, etc.  If you are highly allergic to poison ivy, please see a doctor.

  Disclaimers:  The information above is only for educational and experimental purposes. It has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration - we are not doctors - this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Products are not meant to substitute care from your doctor.No extra scents were added in an attempt to be hypoallergenic.  All ingredients are wild harvested.  Product was made in a kitchen that uses nuts, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs.

 

Herbal Teas

These delectable teas have been carefully formulated to promote wellness.

Tranquility Tea–  Calming, soothing, relaxing,

reduces headaches, helps relaxation, aids nervous system and releases stress. 

Hibiscus Spice-  Refreshingly fruity and cleansing,

promotes wellness, high in vitamin C, increases circulation and lowers blood pressure.

Ginger-Mint– Comfort that strengthens and restores,  soothes upset stomachs, reduces nausea, and supports immune function. 

Seasonal Teas Available

· Sarsaparilla Tea

· Thyme Tea- Natural Decongestant

· Rooibos Chai

· And More...

Disclaimers:  The information above is only for educational and experimental purposes. It has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration - we are not doctors - this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Products are not meant to substitute care from your doctor.No extra scents were added in an attempt to be hypoallergenic.  All ingredients are wild harvested.  Product was made in a kitchen that uses nuts, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs.

 

Product Price Sheet

Teas:

Ginger-Mint: 

Sample bags – $2.50

Bulk bags - $20

Tins – $8.50

Hibiscus Spice:

Sample bags – $2.50

Bulk bags - $22

Tins – $8.50

Tranquility Tea:

Sample bags – $2.50

Bulk bags - $20

Tins – $8.50

Honey Crystals— TBA

Salve/ Cream:

To the Rescue Salve

4oz- $15

2oz-$10

To the Rescue Cream

0.5oz- $5

2oz- $20

Poison Ivy Salve

4oz–  $15

2oz- $10

Feel more than welcome to email pilgrimsrest@normoyle.org  for information about our products, ordering, or anything else you need to know! We will ship, shipping prices will be specified during the ordering period. Depending on your location and the size of box needed, it may be $5 and higher.

The kid is a boy!

One springy April morn, TaliJoy Normoyle was walking down to the goat pen for chores when she spied a tinny little bundle of fluff laying next to our new mama goat, Lady Latte. This was different for us, since we normally coach goat labor. But gratefully, this birth was an easy one:).

Maybe our goats were just as excited as we were. "What is going on, can I join in the fun?"

Life is a precious thing. Our whole family, not to mention our friends ;), enjoy seeing these the goats give birth and the mother/child relationship that is built. Latte showed all the signs of motherhood from the first day (just as it should be). She is one of our most motherly nannies we've had, not sparing any time away form her newborn, even to let him nurse! We were worried at first, but now that he is a just a tad longer, she can sniff to her heart's content while he is drinking her milk. Boy is Jr. happy!

How cute!!

  "The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, "Glory!" ~Psalm 29:9

Doe Ye Nexte Thynge

Posted by: Patience

Mother came back from the curriculum fair today with a lovely book entitled Christie’s Next Things from Queen Homeschool (www.queenhomeschool.com). It is a treasure of a book. With an often more-than-busy high school schedule, I desire to fill my reading time with uplifting material-this book hit the spot! To summarize the first couple of chapters, the main character is a young lady named Christie Gilbert. With picturesque wordings, the author brings to life sapphire skies and budding bouquets of roses. Young Christie is found on a beautiful Sunday afternoon admiring roses and planning to bring them to her beloved Aunt Patience. This dear Auntie is not truly a relative of Christie’s, but is lovingly so-called by all who know her. Aunt Patience is an elderly, godly woman who exudes joy and peace to all who are around her. Christie’s loving plans to carry the roses to sweet Aunt Patience is carried out for the afternoon, Christie wonderful and wise of heart-to-heart conversation with her much admired mentor. I will not spoil the book for you, but from flipping through it, I can tell it is full of sagacious wisdom and advice, not to mention the opportunity to read and learn about and from the life of a godly young woman, blooming and budding to her full potential in Christ.

Well, the real reason I summarized the book was because I fell in love with a poem that Aunt Patience shares with Christie. Throughout the book (as far as I’ve readJ), Aunt Patience leads Christie past frivolous fun and into the prospect of a purpose-filled life. She encouraged Christie to “doe ye nexte thynge” from an ancient Saxon proverb. Just do the next thing! Christie found herself thinking into the future and wondering how her life could leave goodness to those she was around. As she put it as she conversed with her Aunt, “…I am not satisfied to just live for myself, though I don’t seem to do much else.” Dear reader, do the next thing. Live for the Lord in the light of His glory, using the beautiful gifts He has lovingly rained upon your life; and when you find yourself wondering what to do, be faithful in the little things, for the little things compile to create the magnificent beauty of life. Think, “what would the Lord have me do now?” or “how can I be a blessing and servant?” Do the next things, no matter how big or small, knowing that living in the light of eternity will make life full of joy. When we stand before the throne of God in heaven, all the things we have ever done, good and bad, will be known by all. I have been challenged to live in that light, another’s evaluation of me and the standards that I could try to meet in life can never compare to being know by God and the joy of living for Him and Him alone. So after all my babbling, let’s just remember to “Doe ye  Nexte Thynge”:

From an old English parsonage

Down by the sea,

There came in the twilight

A message to me.

Its quaint Saxon legend,

Deeply engraven,

Hath, as it seems to me,

Teachings from heaven;

And through the hours

The quiet words ring

Like a low inspiration:

“Do ye nexte thynge.”

Many a questioning,

Many a fear,

Many a doubt

Hath its quieting here.

Moment by moment,

Let down from heaven,

Time, opportunity,

Guidance, are given.

Fear not tomorrow,

Child of the King;

Trust them with Jesus:

“Do ye nexte thynge.”

Do it immediately,

Do it with prayer,

Do it reliantly,

Casting off care.

Do it with reverence,

Tracing His hand,

Who lays it before thee

With earnest command.

Stayed of Omnipotence

Safe ‘neath His wing,

Leave him the issue;

“Doe ye nexte thynge.”’

I pray with earnest hope that the readers of this poem will be inspired to trust their cares to Jesus, and simply do the next things in life. Jesus knows more than anyone the desires of your heart and the plans you are so prone to make. He will fulfill them, delight in his will and simply trust His strength in doing the 'nexte thynges'. 

What's happening...

...at the Normoyles?
Posted by: Patience


Well, a lot!!:) This whole last week was devoted to doing business and garden (with the exception of a few math lessons and other little school items;). I was telling my sisters that next week when we do school will feel more like a break than this "off school" week! We had a lot of fun, so here are some pictures!

I think all of us have realized now that God doesn't intend to send any more snow our way. After a big day of work, our arms look like we tried to put blush on them (we should have used sun screen:).

Happy birthday to Luke. Happy birthday to Luke. Happy birthday sweet brother! Happy birthday to Luke!

Ooooh, yum!! This birthday boy is never tired of cake, especially on his birthday!!;)

The cake is cut...

...and Luke is happy!! We had fun surprising him with the presence of a dear friend. Daddy picked up Andreas at his house. Later at our house, Daddy got the mail at the end of our driveway while Andreas snuck into the trunk and hid underneath a blacket! Sounds sneaky!:) Conveinently, Daddy had picked up some honey products from Andreas' house, so he needed a big helper. That would be none else than Luke, the birhday boy! So Luke picked up a box full of beeswax and after a small pause, he was delighted to hear a big "Surprie!!" and see a small head peek out from underneath a blanket. Luke couldn't hardly stop laughing. He told Andreas, "That was a good one!"

Our friends the Staddons encouraged us to pray for our mulch. Lo and behold, after calling numerous tree companies, the Lord blessed us with a company that dumped two of the above sized loads and is willing to dump more!! God is so faithful. 

This is the main reason for red arms;).  Our garden looks better than it ever has before. Forget the expensiveness of straw for garden mulching, now we have wood chips! Praise the Lord!!! Thank you Staddons for sharing your mulch stories with us:)! 

There is so much to say, yet so little time to tell of it. So I'll  retire for the evening and thank God for such a wonderful week He gave us.

Psalms 113:2-3 & 5-6

"

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised...who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!"



Light Bulb Trouble

posted by: TaliJoy

A few months ago Patience was haveing trouble with the lighting at her desk. She was positioned in a dark corner so we brought in some lights that would go on the wall. The letter she had wrote is the reason  I am posting

Much beloved Daddy,                                                                                          9/14/1621
There is a perdicament to your concern transpiring in the room where I abide from 8am to 3pm. It is an object of particular concern to you, given that you have the materials perresquisite for the mending thereof. There is a item having to do wiht the subject of light hanging on the wall over my desk. From time to time when I attempt to banish the light for a session, it cascades down the wall, bounding off the desk and comending to the floor. Suck a manner of procedurs has befallen me twice of late and once the light bulb had an internal injury! I would be impressively gratifies if you aquire a hammer and nail to keep it in its dwelling; after some manner of time.

                                            Gratefully your daughter,
                                                Patience Daria Quilea Bach
                                                   ( short for P.D.Q.Bach)*
                                                        P.S. I love you!!!
*PDQ Bach was the last and strangest of Yohann Sebastian Bach's 18 children. Well, to be honest, he never really existed. He was made up by a music professor in the U.S. and (supposedly) wrote songs such as "Pop goes the Weasel". So P.D.Q. Bach was a fake name, that is what Patience was trying to imitate. :)


Whoops! :(

Well I guess all tell Daddy!

A empty light bulb. :(

 

Daddy didn't find the letter tell today. What a long time [1621-2013] :) Just joking! And well a guess Patience has been "rescued"!

 

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.