Guess you don’t really need any ideas for posts …..but your post about ‘ornery’ days got me thinking. (Yes, I often think too much but anyway…) I wonder among the Blind Piggers what different folks use to calm their ruffled feelings.
Myself, I have several therapies. First is a solitary walk in the woods. My Dad did – and my brother does – convert this to ‘hunting’ without much stress on ‘finding’; like fishing without ‘catching’. My wife and daughter think plain ole digging is high on my list. (I hope not. I would say ‘gardening’ is but I’m not sure just how much difference that is!) Splitting wood has in the past been a favored way to ‘work off a mad’. And ‘putting up’ foodstuffs has always been very satisfying and tends to make me grateful which crowds out less valuable feelings.
—Ron Stephens
Ron sent me the email above way back in 2015. I come across it ever so often and study on it. I agree physical activity of some sort helps when I’m feeling upset or bad about something.
Years ago before I started the Blind Pig I was going through a rough patch of life with lots of big feelings. Miss Cindy advised me to go out and work in the garden. When I complained there was nothing to do she said “I don’t care. Go did a hole and then fill it up and dig another one and fill it up.” In other words she wanted me to focus on something other than my problems.
In a video I shared this week I spoke of the garden being a place I find peace and comfort. The reason is two-fold.
The first part is exactly what Miss Cindy prescribed: it takes my mind off what I’m a worrying about.
The second part is that as a believer I feel very close to the Good Shepard when I’m in the garden.
I’m also drawn to the high ridges that surround my house when I find myself troubled and need to find a bit of peace.
For generations folks who lived in Appalachia built their homes in the coves and hollers where they were sheltered from the wind and the weather, where they were closer to the settlements and closer to water. Yet, they too were drawn to those high ridge tops. Whether it was to hunt, to forage for foodstuffs, or to catch a moment’s peace they carved out trails that led to the sloping flats found on top of mountains that are steep as a mule’s face.
I feel very blessed to have followed in their footsteps and to have a trail that starts out back of the house that leads to the top of the ridge.
Granny was able to make it to the doctor’s appointment yesterday, although she was in a lot of pain.
The doctor confirmed our fears. The symptoms she’s been having are caused by the progression of the cancer that is attacking her body.
We are hopeful the medicines they prescribed will ease her pain and discomfort.
Thank you for your prayers and kind wishes for Granny!
Last night’s video: Matt Helps Me Cook Supper: Baked Chicken with Veggies, Our Canned Corn, Biscuits & Apple Cake.
Tipper
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Miss Louzine, may God give you comfort and peace. Your journey may not be long now, the Lord will comfort you in it. He’s the miracle worker we all know too. I hope you know we are all praying for you and your beloved family. I wish we could meet and give each other great big hugs and warm hearted sister love to each other with Prayers together and sing beautiful hymns. What a joyful day that would be for us, I’d hope anyway. Also to show how much you mean to all your friends and followers on this outlet. Rest well and be comfortable and safe let your wonderful family take care of you, now, tend your needs and give their love to you while God allows. Sleep well my friend. Thank you for letting me write this to you. You are so special today, tomorrow and always. Jennifer L.
Praying for peace and comfort as you go through this hard journey with Granny. Prayers God will bless her with comfort and peace.
Anytime my late husband would make a comment about the amount I spent on flowers and gardening, I always said “well, it’s cheaper than therapy”. He’d just shake his head. I worked as a RN and gardening helped me find balance amidst the pain and suffering of people I helped cared for.
Bless you and your family Tipper.
Tipper – I am praying for peace and comfort for your sweet Momma and all who love and care for her.
I think Miss Cindy must have been a wise and wonderful mother-in-law for you.
I’m thankful Granny was able to get to the doctor okay and praying the medicine helps to relieve her pain. Praying continued comfort and peace that only God can give for Granny, you and all your family
My boyfriend wanted Granny’s Holy Smoke cake for his birthday! He had dug into it before I could even get the birthday decorations on it!
Saying prayers for Granny and your family.
Sorry to hear of sweet Grannys pain. Praying God will wrap His arms around her and soothe her pain. And keep you and family in perfect peace. Prayers for you all.
I’m so sorry for all your mother and you all are going through.
Wish she had a visiting nurse as my husband had through Hospice
Or help through the county health department like my mother had so she would not need to travel.
* they were able to get med changes quickly from doc and pharmacy.
Continued prayers for Granny.
Tipper,
I pray that the Medicines will help keep Granny pain free. We are so blessed to “know” Granny and learn from her via her many talents and wisdom. She is precious. She and your entire family are in my prayers.
(((((Tipper and Granny and Family))))
May God comfort and heal you all.
May you feel the peace that passes all understanding & feel God’s comfort ❤️
Rejoice in hope, endure tribulations, and persist in prayer.
I see the grief brewing in you. Let it wait. Where there is life, there is hope as everyone says. View each day as a fresh, beautiful day you can spend with Granny. I know you will make it count!
Praying Granny finds some relief from her pains. God bless Granny and her loving family.
Tipper, it’s wonderful that Granny has all of you to surround her with love. Continued prayers for her and may the Lord comfort each one of you.
I’m so sorry to hear that Granny is not doing well. Please know that prayers are with you and the family. Finding peace and comfort is understandably at the top of your list. I do miss my mountains! I used to love to walk along the ridge and go to a place called Boy Scout Rock. I could sit there for hours and just be. Nowadays, the closest I can find to someplace that always brings me happiness is to go out and be with my horse. He was badly injured the end of June and it’s only by the Lord’s good grace that he still with us. Every time I’m with him it reminds me that the Lord is always watching over us.
Praying❤️
Praying that God will wrap his loving arms around our Granny’s whole family during this difficult time. I find that being alone and working outside makes my mind wander more to the troubles I am trying to escape. Being around a large body of water is my therapy. If I’m fishing, boating, or just sitting on a riverbank, the water tends to wash away any burden I carry.
Praying the pain eases for your Mama, and the Lord comforts you all during this hard time. Sending you love from Colorado.
I am thankful to hear that Granny made it to the doctor even if really not feeling up to such an outing and I pray the meds they prescribed will ease the pain & discomfort she is experiencing. I am so sorry the reason is the progression of her cancer. I continue to pray for her and you all – such times like this takes its toll on everyone.
Tipper, my heart aches for you and the family! This is a very sad time for you all. When we lost our son, my comfort was that I knew we would be seeing him again one day! The way the world is going I know this will be soon! When I was caring for my dying Aunt, somehow the Lord led me to you, so you were my comfort in another very painful time in my life. Thank you! ❤️
My garden is my comfort, walking our trails and scripture. ‘Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…! Matthew 11:28-30
We continue to pray for Granny and for the family.
I’m so thankful that Granny was able to make it to the doctor and received prescriptions for her pain and nausea. I’m so grateful for the peace of mind that trip has given you. I am so grateful for my prayer for her was answered so exactly. I continue to pray for Granny, for you and all the family. May you all find comfort resting in the hands of GOD. I love you.
Love and prayers that Granny will not suffer in pain. Love and prayers for you and all of your family goes thru all of this.
❤️❤️
When I was fortunate enough to live in the woods, I always found peace and comfort in my surroundings.
I enjoyed seeing you and Matt in the kitchen last night. The Neal looked so good and that apple cake just topped it off.
I’m praying for Granny to be free of pain.
Love and hugs
I hope the medicine helps her pain. I am praying for her and your family.
You are all in our prayers. We are so sorry that Granny is in pain and pray for her comfort and yours.
May God, our loving Father look upon Granny and grant her peace and easing of pain.
❤️
Just reading these posts and comments can help during these times, I think. They are positive and comforting. I sit on my porch and observe the natural world around me, go for a walk or do a constructive project or read something positive. Tipper, your Miss Cindy certainty left a legacy. It’s amazing how many times a week you mention her. Also, the sentence Drama posted – “This life has a lot of songs to be sung.” is a great reminder to look for the positive in life. We all have issues but people like Drama and one of my cousins caring for a person who cannot care for themselves is a great example for others to learn from. We should think about singing, even silently. I’m also reminded of what prisoners of war have said that their thoughts were all they had to help them survive. It’s our choice. I’m going to try to remember to sing more. Thanks and take care.
Thank you for that sweet sweet comment. God bless you.
My sweet grandmother referred to being “out of sorts” when she was troubled by something. She would open her Bible and start writing scriptures related to the troublesome topic at hand. I still have her notebooks filled with handwritten verses and notes – along with her amazing hand written recipe book. Blessed and grateful for the legacy she left behind.
There is another way I like to “decompress” after a challenging day…. Living along the west coast of FL, I enjoy taking an evening stroll along the beach. Listening to the waves lap onto the shoreline; the laughter of children building sand castles; the voice of seagulls calling to their friends as they soar through the air; and the sound of distant sailing vessels motoring by with a toot of their horns.
Digging my toes into the wet sand, looking for seashells, and watching the sun slowly make its way into the horizon of water seems to soothe my troubled soul. Somehow, a new day dawns and those troubles appear minuscule and not worthy of another thought. Thankful for each new day!!
May God wrap His mighty hands around Granny providing pain free comfort and solace in His strength and Grace. Granny is blessed beyond measure having the love and support of her family close at hand.
Prayers and Hugs,
Ann Ullery – Holiday, FL
My sweet Mom in Law used to say, “I’m out of fix” rather than saying ‘angry or mad’.
Miss Tipper and family, I pray you are able to find some peace in your time of turmoil and feel God’s loving embrace.
I would also like to thank you and Mr. Matt for how you share your family with anyone who is lucky enough to come across your videos. For those of us who didn’t have the love of family your videos show what family should be. Thank you and God bless you.
I have always tried to keep busy when there is some burden on my mind. Also, keeping in God’s Word helps too. I remember when my precious daddy died suddenly, which was 25 years ago this past June. He was not sick and had his 75th birthday on the Thursday before he died, on Monday. Daddy was always busy and had not been sick. I felt cheated and ask God why? My husband’s father never did anything but sit on the couch and watch tv. He lived to be 84 years old. I came to realize that God can see the future and has a reason for everything He permits. I still miss Daddy, and I know I will see him again. Now I have my mother who turned 96 August 10 and I know she could go any time, and I think a lot about that and pray she will go easy. She is 19 1/2 years older than me. For that matter I could go anytime. Tipper, I am praying for Granny and your entire family. May the Lord give you all the strength to get thru this.
Whenever I talk to God in prayer, I feel the comfort of knowing I can give my burdens to him. Sometimes I sit outside to listen to the birds and have my coffee, which anchors my day. Like Randy, our family has lost so many loved ones that sometimes the lonely ache just to hear their voices again is overwhelming. Tipper, how wonderful that Granny has you nearby. I hope her pain subsides soon. To all, may the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you.
Tipper, I am so sorry you are all going through this and dear Granny is in pain. Thinking of you all often and praying for you.
The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psalm 34: 17-18
Sorry to hear about Granny. For some reason it hit home. Spend as much time with her and ask questions about things in hers and relatives’ past. I think about my mother and questions I would like to have answers to but never will.
As for working off problems, I always remember a co worker whose mother died. He went into the woods and cut a load of firewood another coworker had asked for. The man who received the wood could not believe he did this at that time. I felt that this was an easy way to be alone and not be troubled with emotions and other people.
My parents always set in to working in the garden or a project when a problem was heavy on their minds. They prayed but they/we were/are human so sometimes we need to like Miss Cindy said dig a hole then fill it up and do it again, do a project that your mind has to concentrate on. I was praying so hard that Granny could get to the doctor and that they would have some medicine that would give her pain relief. I’m so glad she was able to make it there and I’m still praying she will receive some pain relief. God bless and I’m praying for you all!
Staying focused on Him and not our problem’s is key but so hard to do at times. I enjoy going outside and piddling around in my yard to get the yuck out. It really helps a lot. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I will continue to pray for Granny and all of you. Blessings from Ohio.
What a blessing to have a trail up to a ridge that close to your home and you can just walk to it. What a wise mother-in-law you were blessed to have. What a blessing I know your mother has been to you and your family and all she knows. I pray for her comfort from pain and peace, as well as for you all and deep restoring sleep.
I am continuing to pray for Granny & was so glad she was able to go see the doctor. She will find some relief in the meds the doctor is giving her. She will find comfort & love in the prayers that are being lifted up for her from those that know her & those like us who don’t know her but wish we did. May God’s will be done! Hugs!
I find comfort in the fact that even Jesus had to get away sometimes. Momma always said to sing as loud as you could. This life has a lot of songs to be sung. I find my peace in the promises of God’s word, canning and cooking for my family. I couldn’t face the battles that I face each day taking care of a mentality and physically disabled daughter but for the Lord. Speaking his word out loud and claiming his peace even when we don’t understand the why’s is comforting. I pray for Granny and know that music was very important to her. Today I sing because my dad died on this day 2009 and I know he is at home and no longer suffers from brain cancer. God is always near and a present help in our times of need. God bless all your readers.
Praying for granny, and for you.
I wish I could find a way when I’m having big feelings as you say, working them off doesn’t seem to work for me. It seems like I spent too much time alone, that just makes it worse too. Although now that I have to, I try to get my mind onto the next video or editing or something of that notion I wish I had some words of wisdom, but the day I’m at a loss
Continued prayers for Granny, and for peace and comfort for each of you. It’s hard watching our parents go through illness at this time of life. Like you, I find peace during these times in my gardens, and in the creek behind our house. I believe God wants us to find our solace in His creation.
I’m glad Granny was able to see the doc yesterday. I hope the meds and prayers from all her friends here will bring her some relief. In times of worry/stress for me, the verse that always comes to my mind is “I will lift my eyes to the hills from whence my help comes. My help cometh from the Lord.” It’s amazing to me how my soul is always drawn to the mountains in times of trouble. Even though we haven’t lived in the mountains for many years, it is still where I find the most peace. Y’all are certainly blessed to have Wilson Holler. My prayers are with you all during this tough season. May each of you feel God’s loving arms unfold and comfort you. Much love, Jane in SC
Sent prayers for you, Granny and your family. From your articles I feel like I know you and your family, God Bless you all.
Heartbreaking to think a beautiful soul like Granny is in pain. Prayers for the family ❤️
I pray for all of you. I pray the medicine works wonders for your Mama.
Tipper, when words aren’t enough, God’s love will fill the space.
My heart goes out to you all.
Prayers for Granny and your family.
What a great reminder this post is of how I need to keep my mind busy and the Lord will give me rest and peace! I am praying for Granny and for each of you.
I feel so bad for Granny. Cancer is such a nasty disease. I hope the new medicine will help her, and the Great Physician will bring her comfort as well. God bless her.
The garden has always been a place of peace for me. I love watching the bumble bees and butterflies. Sometimes, what we need is peace —peace in those quiet moments that calm our souls and attitudes.
Continued prayers for your mother. ♥️
So sorry to hear about Granny, I will keep her in my prayers.
Sending ease, peace and comfort to Granny and all who love her.
May you feel the loving arms of our Comforter around you all at this time. I know each of you are taking in every special moment with Granny! May you all feel the peace of our Savior. He is good, gracious, and merciful. We love you all!
Glad you were able to get meds for Granny.
Prayers for all.
When my mom was suffering I prayed God would take her quickly.
Not saying that you should. He did hear and He is so wise.
Thanks for sharing. I’m sure your concerns for your Granny are weighing on you. One thing that always helps me is to reminder, none of his caught God by surprise. He’s over it all. Praying this morning for your Granny, and you to find peace & comfort. Sounds like you’ve got some great ideas to do so!
I feel sad reading your post this morning…but only for you and myself and everyone who loves your mama here on earth. I believe Heaven is already rejoicing with the anticipation of her arrival. Being outdoors in nature always makes a person feel calm and closer to God. Prayers.
It is just a few minutes past 4am as I write this, I have been awake since 3. I have things going on that I have very little control over that is causing me to have anxiety. I also think about many things that I need to do around the house and my property but am now unable to do. Things like this, plus missing my wife- my partner, companion, helper, and best friend along with other family members are constantly on my mind. Several things I do that helps me – I pray or just talk to God, I go off in a quite place by myself. I think two things that ease my mind a lot are getting on my tractor and just plowing, bush hogging or doing something else. Another is getting on my riding mower and cutting grass-several acres I can cut. I have often said in a humorous way 5gals of gas and my 1953 Farmall Super H do me more good than any psychologist.
I am sorry about Granny and wish there was something I could do. I have experienced this with several family members and know what a toll the worry, anxiety can take on a family. I will continue to praying for all of you.
Randy,
Claim God’s word that he would not have you anxious about anything and rebuke the author of it satan. I have been there many times and one day my husband said “you either believe the Word or you don’t
Well said Drama Watson!