Have Hoot at The Barn Owl

Being so sunny today, the kids and I went out to do a little walking in hopes of dispensing some of their pent up energy. I have two children a boy and girl, that I will refer to as DS (dear son)  and DD (dear daughter.) Because of our faith and desire to raise our children with a Christ centered foundation, we decided to educate them at home, as long as the Lord allows.  This is our first year, and as of late the kids at going head to head more often than not! Today was one of those days.  And after our learning time was over, I thought it was best to just get out of the house!  After taking a short hike, we found this adorable nature center in Penfield,NY.

The Barm Owl

The owner Sarah Conley, opened up in Sept 2012 and has a cozy shop filled with DIY science kits for kids, eco friendly products like finger paints and non Play-Doh dough.  She has some beautiful hand made trinkets and jewelry all with a nature theme. 

 DS & DD were fortunate enough to meet pickles a 3 year old Hedge Hog!  Sarah was great with the kids, gently asking them questions about bugs, birds and amphibians while I looked around.

 Sarah also has two turtles for viewing, and two bearded dragon lizards.  She also hold nature classes in an attached classroom for groups and homeschoolers.    The kids found puppets, wrist pets, emergency whistles, nature books and field guides, bird feeders and calls, key chains and note cards.  There was so much to look at, I can't wait to go back! Lots of lovely gift ideas too.

 DD taking in the goodies, inexpensive little treats- pencils, erasers, plastic animals, watches, whistles, stickers and magnifying glasses. 

Thank you, Sarah for being a loving ambassador of God creators, great and small.  It was a pleasure meeting you and I pray that your new business flourishes! 

The Barn Owl 

1807 Penfield Road, Penfield NY (Parking access off of Motts Rd)

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.
(585) 282-0620; www.sarah@thebarnowlonline.com

Welcome to Abide His Word

So Jesus said to them,  "If you hold to my teaching, 

 you are really my disciples." 

-John 8:31

 Abiding In His Word. 

What does it mean to “abide in His word?”

• To “abide” means to continue in, not to depart from. 
• "His word" is the word of God and Christ Jesus as written in scripture form in the Bible. 
• To be a disciple of Christ, we must continue in and not depart from His teachings.  A disciple is one who is taught, one who follows the teaching of another.   

Why choose to be a disciple of Christ? 

Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" -.John 14:6


Dear Lord, As I begin this blog, in hopes to shine the light you have lit within me unto others, I pray that I will glorify you.  Please help me make it what you wish as I share my family's life as a living testimony to our love for you.  As we endeavor to become your ever abiding disciples, please make your will for us clear.  And if it is not clear Lord because we can not see, please Lord bring others into our lives and give them the words and boldness to help direct us.  We are so thankful Lord for the beauty and grace that you have shown us.  Thankful for finding our Christian roots.  Thankful for the sacrifice. Thankful for forgiveness.  Lord, we are so undeserving of you gifts and yet everyday you bless us with more.  Please show us how we may be a gift to others!  In all that we pray, in the name of your son Jesus Christ, Amen.


So friends, it is with a heart of gratitude that I welcome you to Abide His Word.  I am most excited and curious to see where the Lord wills this.  It has been on my heart lately to give credit where it is due.  So many times I have taken the content of my life for granted,  accepting someones job as something that is due to me.  Grocery shopping, the cashier rings up my purchases, bags the items according to size, and by storage needs, also paying attention to weight in each bag before then loading my cart.  They were trained to do this, being payed a wage to perform their duty.  And yet.  What if our salvation was born of a job, rather than a gift? A performance that resulted from a well trained employee.  It would change everything.  No love, no sacrifice, no Messiah.  No gift.  What if the worlds "job's" were viewed differently?  What if pumping gas, waiting tables, homemaking, teaching, you name it- what if it was a gift, a privilege??   Isn't it?  Isn't each day, each waking breath a gift?  One to treasure and to boast over it's preciousness to everyone else who shares it?  I want to see people as a gift, sharing in the privilege of not only life, but salvation.  I choose to show my gratitude to and for others.  Maybe this will be the sole purpose of this blog, maybe only certain posts.  But either way, welcome to the adventure!