Thank you, Pastor Donna! I made a note in my journal that says, God strengthens us when our faith is refreshed! My faith is totally refreshed after listening to your message today!❤
The Love Jar is such a wonderful idea. My desire this year is to find Gods Wonder every day. So as I look for the “wonder” it would be a great idea to jot them down and add them to the Joy Jar. Thank you for this idea. Along this same line, our kids know how quiet and lonely our home becomes after they all leave after our 3 -4 day celebration. This year they chose to hide 90 tiny plastic turtles all over the house, garage, patio, etc. The little turtles would fit between thumb and forefinger, very little. The point being each time we find one, to bring a smile, a God wink, a sweet moment, remember a special hug; just little reminders of our time together. I have found with each turtle I find, I think of all 9 of them, wonder which one found this hiding place, as I think of each of them, special little moments do pop into my head. Yes, smiles accompany each found turtle. Text messages follow to let them know how many we have found so far (36 in a special little jar). Grandkids saying “I hid mine really hard, you can’t find it”, which certainly keeps the conversation going. Just sharing this idea to perhaps provide some smiles for others. May each of you keep searching for your God moments, shining light moments, amazing wonders, and 😮precious remembrances and beauty all thru 2025.
What a beautiful card, and so thoughtful! Kindnesses like that can mean so much. The sweet comment replies I received here on Christmas Day when I was struggling a bit absolutely made my day so very much brighter. It's amazing how a little love and kindness given in generosity to others can have such an impact. There are times when I feel very down on myself bc I'm limited in how much I can do due to chronic illness, but I realized that something I CAN do for others is to pray for them. To pray often for those who are in difficulties or need encouragement, to pray for the world at large that they may receive the Love and Comfort of our Lord. How wonderful! Thank you, Pastor Donna for another uplifting message ❤
I had tears in my eyes when I read how the comments you received here on Christmas Day eased your struggles. We are never alone and we can be there for one another! And I was smiling when you said that what you can do is pray for others. Amen!! Yes!!! I used to say to folks in my congregations who thought they couldn't help due to limitations, that they could do the most important job that is needed: Pray! We need more prayer warriors in this world...and you are one of them! For that I praise God for your presence in my life and for blessing all of us here at Old Stone Well Farm!
@@spinstercatlady In as you pray for others, I will be praying for you. My heart is with you as I too, live with chronic illness. The greatest and most powerful thing is prayer! You are a prayer warrior! And I thank our Lord for the gift of YOU! You have uplifted me beyond words that I can express.
Thank you, Pastor Donna! Your videos exude such peace! I have a joy to share that I’ve begun to realize very recently and that is just outside my window here in the Catskill Mountains. We have had such extreme cold for days at a time that the deer have been roaming close to the house in search of food. So I bought a 50 pound bag of cracked corn and pour some out by the bird feeder each morning. Just before dusk they come, first one, then two more, until there are five or six feeding. That is my joy and light! I thrill at seeing them being fed and keeping God’s creatures alive.
Oh my!! How BEAUTIFUL! I could see in my mind the deer gathering around the feeder. What a beautiful blessing to have unfold outside your window! I am so glad you took time to share this!!! Blessings to you!!
Happy New Year Donna! I have found for me when I face anxiety, worry and the pull of depression yanking at my soul is I stop in my tracks and praise God for all he has done in my life. And never have in doing so, in singing his praises have I not been lifted up!
What a wonderful reminder to stop in our tracks and praise God right then and there! I will admit that there are times that I don't stop to do that, but continue to struggle and suffer. Songs of praise are the healing balm we need for our souls! Blessings to you!
Thank you, pastor donna. I want to do my part to shine the light of Bethlehem to everyone I meet, especially the people that are struggling with poverty.
Amen! I will pray for God's light to shine on your path as you seek to shine upon those struggling with poverty. There is so much suffering all around and I often struggle with what to do to help. Sometimes I feel so useless, but I keep asking God to work through me. Blessings to you as you shine your light!!!
I love this idea .This past weekend I went on peaceful winter drive and walk.i begin to write brief messages with a tree twig in the snow. On a couple park benches about Christ's genuine love for us Once I returned to my car and began sipping on warm tea. All of the sudden several cardinals appeared .And other birds I was at awe .it was what I needed A sign from above.Truly a God moment ❤ God bless and happy new year ❤
I want to do that each year and now I keep a journal and read prayers and devotionals. My mind is like a roller coaster...ups and downs . As we move forward, let's all rely on one another. My joy tonight was hearing from you.
Hey Donna, Wishing you all the best in this coming year. Keep your inner light shining! 'Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness" can be taken quite literally of course, meaning to be resourceful or we can think it is the inner light available in spirit.
I decided to leave my lighted tree up until the end of March. I converted it into my Winter tree. Here in Minnesota it is so cold and the bare trees are sleeping. The green lighted tree (artificial) makes me happy. I did take off the decorations. I also leave out at least 1 Christmas decoration all year. Blessings to you Pastor Donna.
I love that!!! I will admit I still have one of our trees up with the white lights on it. I am having a hard time taking it down. You have inspired me to simply let it be and enjoy the light. Thank you!!! Blessings!
I needed to hear this message, Pastor Donna. I, too, feel melancholic once the Epiphany is celebrated and the Christmas season ends. I will remember sending my God given light into the world, too. My joy today, sitting in a car en route to Logan airport, not driving, just being still.
So glad your time at the farm was well spent!!! And sitting still in a car while en route to the airport is a very joyful moment!!! Safe travels!!! Blessings!
Such beautiful scenery you are blessed with. A terrific concept to look for examples of hope through God in the new year, especially after putting away all the Christmas decor. Help me Lord to shine Your light. ✝️ God bless.❤
Thank you! It is definitely a God moment how I managed to find myself in Vermont after growing up in congested north New Jersey and living in Manhattan for many years. I am in awe every day when I go out into the woods which have become my sanctuary, my cathedral! I am so grateful that I can share what I see with you! Blessings to you!
Hey Donna, Wishing you all the best in this coming year. Keep your inner light shining! 'Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness" can be taken quite literally of course, meaning to be practical and resourceful or we can may choose to think of it as searching for our inner spirit. Please try not to put any excessive pressure on yourself in the coming months. Take care. 💜
Thank you for the good wishes...but mostly thank you for the advice and reminder not to put any excessive pressure on myself. I do need to hear that reminder on a regular basis. Here's to lighting our candles! Blessings!
It was your video this time last year that gave me such comfort and this year I felt a lot better post -Christmas! In fact I saw so much of family this time, lovely as it was, I'm now enjoying some peaceful time. And the weather has been truly beautiful this last few days with glorious sunsets, which has really helped to raise my spirit s. The weather during Christmas and New Year was so dark and gloomy, and wet.I've kept a few little strings of lights too, and replaced all my candles for new white ones, for hope, which is my intention this New Year. And every day in my diary I write something positive, to look back upon. Thank you for all you have been this last year, Donna. And I've loved seeing how Fritz too, likes to get involved!
Ah, the sunsets sound lovely...as do the string of lights and white candles. What a wonderful practice to write something positive each day in your diary. I am so glad you found Old Stone Well Farm. And yes, Fritz does like to get involved...a little too much! ;) Blessings to you!
Thank you Pastor Donna for this message. It was my Joy moment and God moment for today. I'm about to lay my head down for sleep and your message has brought joy and peace to me. I give thanks to God for this very special blessing. ❤
I'm so thankful: we have those here on our planet like you Pastor Donna (my sisters name also). It's such a joy to listen to you! It's like being around a campfire in the winter having hot chocolate and telling these stories. Blessings to all!
First, I love your sister's name. ;) Second, what a beautiful image you painted of Old Stone Well Farm! I smiled when I read your description. Thank you for blessing my day!!!!
@oldstonewellfarm Thank you for your kind words from the heart and for blessing all who know your presence and those who will know you! May you always know that love surrounds you thruout your life on this journey we call, "life". From a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran. Semper Fidelis!
I have had 2 major losses in the month of January, one last Jan. & one at the start of this new year. Both were tied into each other. Psalm 16:9 says “ In your presence my heart is glad and my soul full of joy” I read this Psalm every day to bring back my joy. St. Francis of Assisi it is attributed with saying this prayer: Lord, please help me recall and stay in your presence until my spiritual joy is restored.” I say both every day in my devotions. The idea of a “Joy” jar is something that I need to add to the Psalm and prayer. I am going to start it today. Thank you for your beautiful, peaceful videos they always leave me with something to think about. Blessings.
I am so sorry for your losses. I am holding you in my prayers, praying along with you for joy to be restored. And thank you for sharing that quote attributed to St. Francis. It is one I was not familiar with, but one that will become part of my prayer life. May peace and light and joy be abundant for you this day and always. Blessings!
Thank you Pastor Donna as always for your thoughtful insights and encouraging words. January 5th was a full year since we laid my mom to rest. I find myself contemplating how to move forward walking in the legacy my mom left. Instead of an overwhelming grief, i feel more of a hopeful spirit as i'm intentionally striving to love strangers and befriend others as my mom did. Happy New Year.
Thank you very much! I love your peaceful videos ❤️ They soothe my heart in these not so peaceful times . May God protect and provide you all the time . Be blessed With love from Britta 🫶✝️
Yes, there seems to be so little peace in our world. I try hard to create that peace and to share it with you. (Truthfully, behind the scenes of filming Old Stone Well Farm tends to be anything but peaceful...Fritz just loves the camera!) Blessings!
Thank you Pastor Donna for your joy! Today is my Sister birthday. As a child, she always wanted the Christmas 🎄 tree to stay up for her birthday 🎂 ! We would take it down after she went to bed. I started a joy jar years ago on New Year's day. I called it a grateful jar. Whatever made me happy or cheery, what i was grateful for. Be it, having aa roof over my head, birds in the yard, someone holding a door open for me, a meal I could share, ... a friend calling me, etc. I like the joy idea! Bless you and your family this year, and evermore. 🙏🤲 Let your light so shine ✨️
Thank you for sharing these memories!! I was smiling when reading about how the Christmas tree stayed up for your sister's birthday! What a special treat for her special day! And I love your grateful jar...what a powerful reminder that there really are so many things to be grateful for each day!! Blessings to you!!!
What a great idea. I am going to gather a jar of joy too. I am not feeling any post holiday blues. I do love to catch those God moments but I don't remember them. I feel the presence of God in my life so often. Saving them will be so wonderful and uplifting. Thank you! Hugs and Blessings!!
Beautiful!! ❤ Such a profound Godly message. The jar of Joy and Hope. Every day holds a special "gift" from God. Even in snowy, cold January... there are lovely things all around. Even as I pray each and every day, I thank God for "this" day and everything it will hold. Blessings to you, Pastor Donna. Thank you for this special message of being appreciative of the "gifts" around us. ❤️
Yes, there are many joys and always hope all around us!!! May God's light, which shines brightly, reveal those gifts this day and always! Blessings to you!
I love that word for 2025 is light!! How powerful! And yes, God's light is the most powerful thing that can break through this darkness in the world! I keep praying for that light to grow stronger - and I will now pray for your light to grow stronger this year as well! My word for 2025 is "surrender" - which is really giving me a lot to ponder and pray on! Blessings to you!
By following the light reading what Christ was doing after the manger healing people spiritually, mentally, and physically teaching us wonderful lessons of light.❤
Amen! Yes! To read and recall how the light of God was radiating through Jesus through the many healings is something we need revisit everyday. He is our model for how to live and love! Thank you for that insight! Blessings!
What a beautiful video. I'm a fellow New Englander and I want to tell you, Pastor Donna, that your videos touch my heart deeply. Thank you. May you have a Blessed 2025. Sending you love and gratitude from Massachusetts. 🥰❤️🤗🙏
It is so nice to hear from a fellow New Englander!!! I happen to talk to a lot of folks from Massachusetts in my day job. (I write for the news team for the United Church of Christ...so many Congregational churches in your state!) It is such a joy for me to hear how these videos touch your heart deeply. It is a gift I love giving to others. So thank you!!! Blessings to you!
I am so happy you like the idea of the joy jar...and that your time visiting me at Old Stone Well Farm touches your heart. That means a lot. Blessings to you!
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing. I, too, have been feel the post holiday blues and I love your idea of shining Christ into the darkness. Blessings for a wonderful new year!
I am so glad I shared what was on my heart. I hesitated at first thinking folks were tired of anything Christmas related...but I just couldn't get out of my mind what was weighing on my heart. And so, I am glad your time at the farm was a blessing! I know it was a blessing for me to have you here and to receive your note! :)
Hello Donna, it certainly looks like winter at your place. We don’t have any snow where I live. A meteorologist friend of mine said don’t fret, you may be getting yours this coming weekend. I am always depressed this time of year. It’s because I really miss my childhood at Christmas time. It was always an exciting time for kids. We didn’t have a lot but that was okay, I never really realized it. When you opened that jar the first thing I thought of to put in there was treats for Fritz. I’m glad he had so much airtime. I saw something I thought was pretty incredible for birds. It was a feeder with a camera so you can watch them up close. I’ll have to try and find that again. I have to be honest with you, I still have my Christmas tree up. There are no ornaments, just the lights and my wife change the lights from color to white lights. I still have to watch the other posts that I missed. Anyway, happy new year and please be careful walking coming from someone who knows. 😊
Yes, Fritz did get a lot of air time!! I think he was doing it just for you! :) And I have seen that bird camera before. I love the idea of being able to see birds up close. I was going to buy one for my parents last Christmas but I wasn't sure how well it worked. I wanted to do more research. You now reminded me to put that on my list of things to do. :) Thank you!! And thank you, too, for the reminder to be careful walking out there in the snow. That has been on my mind, too, as years ago my mother broke her leg on January day out walking with my dad in the woods. Here's to being safe!! Blessings to you!
I am so glad you enjoyed your time at Old Stone Well Farm and are now motivated to start a joy jar! Funny thing is that jar of mine was for making sauerkraut, but after one failed attempt it remained empty on the shelf. And that's when the idea to fill it with joy suddenly popped into my head. (Just a little behind the scenes of Old Stone Well Farm!) Thank you for visiting me!!!! Blessings to you!
I am so glad you will be joining me with the jar of joy. It just came to me as I was "talking" to you all for this episode...I had originally purchased that jar to make homemade sauerkraut! After one failed attempt, I gave up and it has been empty ever since. I think filling it with joy is a lot better than sauerkraut! :) Blessings!
Here in alaska after starting out with a huge snow storm and so much shoveling /only to melt out /we had a strange brown Christmas /rain storms and and pansies I saw in bloom out side its so warm /its a upside down world/for feeling people we just don't know what to feel/friends have been helping me with leaking pipes windows and roofs /to keep the stress away- - - I've been working away on a new blue Delft hand stitching piece of art- - - its a woman hair blowing in the wind wandering in the Aleutian gentian flowers looking for more blueberries for her basket when she is surprised by bees swirling all around her/I tucked little pretty hearts all in-between the bees /it's all in beautiful blue and white with some yellow fabrics /when I make art I feel like some of heaven opens up inside of me when-- - - i'm being a go getter with the amazing art genes I got through my dad/I love your channel as always/thank you!
The weather has been so crazy lately. But what a lovely winter project you have embarked on! I adore the combination of blue Delft and yellow fabric!!!! And the scene you are stitching sounds so beautiful. I would love to see it when it is done! Thank you for sharing - and for being part of Old Stone Well Farm! Blessings to you!
Thank you!! This was an episode that I was struggling with a bit...but why do I fret when that happens. I woke up the next day and everything just fell into place. A lesson not just for Old Stone Well Farm, but for all of life!! Blessings to you!
Greetings from sunny 🌞 Arizona!Love seeing your videos before ending my day. You always seem to have just the right words. Thank you sooooo much! I looked up Frederick Buechner and I’ll definitely be buying a book or three 😁 Also, I will be starting my joy jar 🏺 tomorrow as well.
Ah, sunny Arizona...I can do for some of that sunshine (without the biting cold!). :) And I am so glad that I introduced you to Frederick Buechner. I hope you enjoy his work as much as I have! So excited that you are starting a joy jar!! Yeah!! Blessings to you!
Hello & Happy New Year!! Hope is my word of the year ! I’m curious if anyone is familiar with Ann Voskamp’s book 1000 Gifts? Gratitude is a daily practice 🙏🏼🕊️
What a great idea! I don’t have a jar but a beautiful box I bought last year and I had no idea what I would do with it. Now I know! The first God moment (s) I put in it is « watching your videos ». They bring me such joy and hope, and love too!
And I too light a candle along with you!! Blessings to you from across the pond. (I will admit that one of my cues for writer's block yesterday was looking at cottages in the English countryside!!!)
Thank you, Pastor Donna! I made a note in my journal that says, God strengthens us when our faith is refreshed! My faith is totally refreshed after listening to your message today!❤
The Love Jar is such a wonderful idea. My desire this year is to find Gods Wonder every day. So as I look for the “wonder” it would be a great idea to jot them down and add them to the Joy Jar. Thank you for this idea.
Along this same line, our kids know how quiet and lonely our home becomes after they all leave after our 3 -4 day celebration. This year they chose to hide 90 tiny plastic turtles all over the house, garage, patio, etc. The little turtles would fit between thumb and forefinger, very little. The point being each time we find one, to bring a smile, a God wink, a sweet moment, remember a special hug; just little reminders of our time together. I have found with each turtle I find, I think of all 9 of them, wonder which one found this hiding place, as I think of each of them, special little moments do pop into my head. Yes, smiles accompany each found turtle. Text messages follow to let them know how many we have found so far (36 in a special little jar). Grandkids saying “I hid mine really hard, you can’t find it”, which certainly keeps the conversation going. Just sharing this idea to perhaps provide some smiles for others.
May each of you keep searching for your God moments, shining light moments, amazing wonders, and 😮precious remembrances and beauty all thru 2025.
The joy of finding your RUclips channel and the encouragement I get listening to your reflections on the seasons♥️
What a beautiful card, and so thoughtful! Kindnesses like that can mean so much. The sweet comment replies I received here on Christmas Day when I was struggling a bit absolutely made my day so very much brighter. It's amazing how a little love and kindness given in generosity to others can have such an impact. There are times when I feel very down on myself bc I'm limited in how much I can do due to chronic illness, but I realized that something I CAN do for others is to pray for them. To pray often for those who are in difficulties or need encouragement, to pray for the world at large that they may receive the Love and Comfort of our Lord. How wonderful! Thank you, Pastor Donna for another uplifting message ❤
I had tears in my eyes when I read how the comments you received here on Christmas Day eased your struggles. We are never alone and we can be there for one another! And I was smiling when you said that what you can do is pray for others. Amen!! Yes!!! I used to say to folks in my congregations who thought they couldn't help due to limitations, that they could do the most important job that is needed: Pray! We need more prayer warriors in this world...and you are one of them! For that I praise God for your presence in my life and for blessing all of us here at Old Stone Well Farm!
@@spinstercatlady In as you pray for others, I will be praying for you. My heart is with you as I too, live with chronic illness. The greatest and most powerful thing is prayer! You are a prayer warrior! And I thank our Lord for the gift of YOU! You have uplifted me beyond words that I can express.
Thank you, Pastor Donna! Your videos exude such peace! I have a joy to share that I’ve begun to realize very recently and that is just outside my window here in the Catskill Mountains. We have had such extreme cold for days at a time that the deer have been roaming close to the house in search of food. So I bought a 50 pound bag of cracked corn and pour some out by the bird feeder each morning. Just before dusk they come, first one, then two more, until there are five or six feeding. That is my joy and light! I thrill at seeing them being fed and keeping God’s creatures alive.
Oh my!! How BEAUTIFUL! I could see in my mind the deer gathering around the feeder. What a beautiful blessing to have unfold outside your window! I am so glad you took time to share this!!! Blessings to you!!
@ And blessing to you, dear lady!
Happy New Year Donna! I have found for me when I face anxiety, worry and the pull of depression yanking at my soul is I stop in my tracks and praise God for all he has done in my life. And never have in doing so, in singing his praises have I not been lifted up!
What a wonderful reminder to stop in our tracks and praise God right then and there! I will admit that there are times that I don't stop to do that, but continue to struggle and suffer. Songs of praise are the healing balm we need for our souls! Blessings to you!
Thank you, pastor donna. I want to do my part to shine the light of Bethlehem to everyone I meet, especially the people that are struggling with poverty.
Amen! I will pray for God's light to shine on your path as you seek to shine upon those struggling with poverty. There is so much suffering all around and I often struggle with what to do to help. Sometimes I feel so useless, but I keep asking God to work through me. Blessings to you as you shine your light!!!
Lord Jesus may I received your light and everywhere I go shine it
Amen!!!
Thanks for reminding me to always keep the lights on
You are welcome!! May the Christ light keep shining all around you! Blessings!
I love this idea .This past weekend I went on peaceful winter drive and walk.i begin to write brief messages with a tree twig in the snow. On a couple park benches about Christ's genuine love for us
Once I returned to my car and began sipping on warm tea. All of the sudden several cardinals appeared .And other birds I was at awe .it was what I needed A sign from above.Truly a God moment ❤ God bless and happy new year ❤
I want to do that each year and now I keep a journal and read prayers and devotionals.
My mind is like a roller coaster...ups and downs .
As we move forward, let's all rely on one another.
My joy tonight was hearing from you.
And my joy this morning was receiving your note! The first joy of the day that went into my jar!!!! Blessings and hugs to you!
Hey Donna, Wishing you all the best in this coming year. Keep your inner light shining! 'Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness" can be taken quite literally of course, meaning to be resourceful or we can think it is the inner light available in spirit.
I decided to leave my lighted tree up until the end of March. I converted it into my Winter tree. Here in Minnesota it is so cold and the bare trees are sleeping. The green lighted tree (artificial) makes me happy. I did take off the decorations. I also leave out at least 1 Christmas decoration all year.
Blessings to you Pastor Donna.
I love that!!! I will admit I still have one of our trees up with the white lights on it. I am having a hard time taking it down. You have inspired me to simply let it be and enjoy the light. Thank you!!! Blessings!
Thank you for this video as I deal with holiday “let down” every year. I love the Joy jar idea and I’m gonna do that! Jesus is where the joy is❤️🙏
I needed to hear this message, Pastor Donna. I, too, feel melancholic once the Epiphany is celebrated and the Christmas season ends. I will remember sending my God given light into the world, too. My joy today, sitting in a car en route to Logan airport, not driving, just being still.
So glad your time at the farm was well spent!!! And sitting still in a car while en route to the airport is a very joyful moment!!! Safe travels!!! Blessings!
Such beautiful scenery you are blessed with. A terrific concept to look for examples of hope through God in the new year, especially after putting away all the Christmas decor. Help me Lord to shine Your light. ✝️ God bless.❤
Thank you! It is definitely a God moment how I managed to find myself in Vermont after growing up in congested north New Jersey and living in Manhattan for many years. I am in awe every day when I go out into the woods which have become my sanctuary, my cathedral! I am so grateful that I can share what I see with you! Blessings to you!
Sending you the light and blessings for the coming year from here in England, l have my candles lit for quiet time,peace and all good, Linda xxx
I guess sometimes, it's just the getting up and doing that helps. Making the coffee, getting the hardest thing done and out of the way.
Hey Donna, Wishing you all the best in this coming year. Keep your inner light shining! 'Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness" can be taken quite literally of course, meaning to be practical and resourceful or we can may choose to think of it as searching for our inner spirit. Please try not to put any excessive pressure on yourself in the coming months. Take care. 💜
Thank you for the good wishes...but mostly thank you for the advice and reminder not to put any excessive pressure on myself. I do need to hear that reminder on a regular basis. Here's to lighting our candles! Blessings!
It was your video this time last year that gave me such comfort and this year I felt a lot better post -Christmas! In fact I saw so much of family this time, lovely as it was, I'm now enjoying some peaceful time. And the weather has been truly beautiful this last few days with glorious sunsets, which has really helped to raise my spirit s. The weather during Christmas and New Year was so dark and gloomy, and wet.I've kept a few little strings of lights too, and replaced all my candles for new white ones, for hope, which is my intention this New Year. And every day in my diary I write something positive, to look back upon. Thank you for all you have been this last year, Donna. And I've loved seeing how Fritz too, likes to get involved!
Ah, the sunsets sound lovely...as do the string of lights and white candles. What a wonderful practice to write something positive each day in your diary. I am so glad you found Old Stone Well Farm. And yes, Fritz does like to get involved...a little too much! ;) Blessings to you!
Thank you Pastor Donna for this message. It was my Joy moment and God moment for today. I'm about to lay my head down for sleep and your message has brought joy and peace to me. I give thanks to God for this very special blessing. ❤
I'm so thankful: we have those here on our planet like you Pastor Donna (my sisters name also). It's such a joy to listen to you! It's like being around a campfire in the winter having hot chocolate and telling these stories. Blessings to all!
First, I love your sister's name. ;) Second, what a beautiful image you painted of Old Stone Well Farm! I smiled when I read your description. Thank you for blessing my day!!!!
@oldstonewellfarm Thank you for your kind words from the heart and for blessing all who know your presence and those who will know you! May you always know that love surrounds you thruout your life on this journey we call, "life". From a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran. Semper Fidelis!
What a beautiful idea! Blessings.
Thank you!! So glad you like the idea of the joy jar! Blessings to you!
I have had 2 major losses in the month of January, one last Jan. & one at the start of this new year. Both were tied into each other. Psalm 16:9 says “ In your presence my heart is glad and my soul full of joy” I read this Psalm every day to bring back my joy. St. Francis of Assisi it is attributed with saying this prayer: Lord, please help me recall and stay in your presence until my spiritual joy is restored.” I say both every day in my devotions. The idea of a “Joy” jar is something that I need to add to the Psalm and prayer. I am going to start it today. Thank you for your beautiful, peaceful videos they always leave me with something to think about. Blessings.
I am so sorry for your losses. I am holding you in my prayers, praying along with you for joy to be restored. And thank you for sharing that quote attributed to St. Francis. It is one I was not familiar with, but one that will become part of my prayer life. May peace and light and joy be abundant for you this day and always. Blessings!
@@oldstonewellfarm Thank you so much Pastor Donna. 🤗
Thank you Pastor Donna as always for your thoughtful insights and encouraging words. January 5th was a full year since we laid my mom to rest. I find myself contemplating how to move forward walking in the legacy my mom left. Instead of an overwhelming grief, i feel more of a hopeful spirit as i'm intentionally striving to love strangers and befriend others as my mom did. Happy New Year.
Thank you. Interesting one of my goals for 2025 is to have joy again. I have been in a trial for years so need to have hope that trials will end.
I will lift up a prayer for you that the trials you have been going through will end this year. May God's light shine brightly upon you!!
Thank you very much! I love your peaceful videos ❤️ They soothe my heart in these not so peaceful times .
May God protect and provide you all the time . Be blessed
With love from Britta 🫶✝️
Yes, there seems to be so little peace in our world. I try hard to create that peace and to share it with you. (Truthfully, behind the scenes of filming Old Stone Well Farm tends to be anything but peaceful...Fritz just loves the camera!) Blessings!
Thank you Pastor Donna for your joy! Today is my Sister birthday. As a child, she always wanted the Christmas 🎄 tree to stay up for her birthday 🎂 !
We would take it down after she went to bed.
I started a joy jar years ago on New Year's day. I called it a grateful jar. Whatever made me happy or cheery, what i was grateful for. Be it, having aa roof over my head, birds in the yard, someone holding a door open for me, a meal I could share, ... a friend calling me, etc.
I like the joy idea!
Bless you and your family this year, and evermore. 🙏🤲
Let your light so shine ✨️
Thank you for sharing these memories!! I was smiling when reading about how the Christmas tree stayed up for your sister's birthday! What a special treat for her special day! And I love your grateful jar...what a powerful reminder that there really are so many things to be grateful for each day!! Blessings to you!!!
What a great idea. I am going to gather a jar of joy too. I am not feeling any post holiday blues. I do love to catch those God moments but I don't remember them. I feel the presence of God in my life so often. Saving them will be so wonderful and uplifting. Thank you! Hugs and Blessings!!
I am so excited that you will be gathering a jar of joy, too. It is so precious to catch those God moments!!! Blessings to you!
Beautiful!! ❤ Such a profound Godly message. The jar of Joy and Hope.
Every day holds a special "gift" from God. Even in snowy, cold January... there are lovely things all around. Even as I pray each and every day, I thank God for "this" day and everything it will hold. Blessings to you, Pastor Donna. Thank you for this special message of being appreciative of the "gifts" around us. ❤️
Yes, there are many joys and always hope all around us!!! May God's light, which shines brightly, reveal those gifts this day and always! Blessings to you!
My word for 2025 is Light! God is bringing powerful light that will not be stopped to this world at this time.
I love that word for 2025 is light!! How powerful! And yes, God's light is the most powerful thing that can break through this darkness in the world! I keep praying for that light to grow stronger - and I will now pray for your light to grow stronger this year as well! My word for 2025 is "surrender" - which is really giving me a lot to ponder and pray on! Blessings to you!
By following the light reading what Christ was doing after the manger healing people spiritually, mentally, and physically teaching us wonderful lessons of light.❤
Amen! Yes! To read and recall how the light of God was radiating through Jesus through the many healings is something we need revisit everyday. He is our model for how to live and love! Thank you for that insight! Blessings!
What a beautiful video. I'm a fellow New Englander and I want to tell you, Pastor Donna, that your videos touch my heart deeply. Thank you. May you have a Blessed 2025. Sending you love and gratitude from Massachusetts. 🥰❤️🤗🙏
It is so nice to hear from a fellow New Englander!!! I happen to talk to a lot of folks from Massachusetts in my day job. (I write for the news team for the United Church of Christ...so many Congregational churches in your state!) It is such a joy for me to hear how these videos touch your heart deeply. It is a gift I love giving to others. So thank you!!! Blessings to you!
@oldstonewellfarm 💜💜💜
Joy jar is an excellent idea.
Thank you!!! :)
I’m going to make a joy jar! Thanks
So wonderful to hear that!!! You put the first smile on my face this day!! Blessings to you!
Thanks from northern Michigan for the joy jar idea. Your messages always touch my heart. Take care.
I am so happy you like the idea of the joy jar...and that your time visiting me at Old Stone Well Farm touches your heart. That means a lot. Blessings to you!
"Keep the light shining"🎉
I will join the "joy jar wonderful idea!
Thanks❤
Yeah!! So wonderful to hear you will be joining me!! Blessings to you!
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing. I, too, have been feel the post holiday blues and I love your idea of shining Christ into the darkness. Blessings for a wonderful new year!
I am so glad I shared what was on my heart. I hesitated at first thinking folks were tired of anything Christmas related...but I just couldn't get out of my mind what was weighing on my heart. And so, I am glad your time at the farm was a blessing! I know it was a blessing for me to have you here and to receive your note! :)
Beautiful 😍 message ❤️
Hello Donna, it certainly looks like winter at your place. We don’t have any snow where I live. A meteorologist friend of mine said don’t fret, you may be getting yours this coming weekend. I am always depressed this time of year. It’s because I really miss my childhood at Christmas time. It was always an exciting time for kids. We didn’t have a lot but that was okay, I never really realized it. When you opened that jar the first thing I thought of to put in there was treats for Fritz. I’m glad he had so much airtime. I saw something I thought was pretty incredible for birds. It was a feeder with a camera so you can watch them up close. I’ll have to try and find that again. I have to be honest with you, I still have my Christmas tree up. There are no ornaments, just the lights and my wife change the lights from color to white lights. I still have to watch the other posts that I missed. Anyway, happy new year and please be careful walking coming from someone who knows. 😊
Yes, Fritz did get a lot of air time!! I think he was doing it just for you! :) And I have seen that bird camera before. I love the idea of being able to see birds up close. I was going to buy one for my parents last Christmas but I wasn't sure how well it worked. I wanted to do more research. You now reminded me to put that on my list of things to do. :) Thank you!! And thank you, too, for the reminder to be careful walking out there in the snow. That has been on my mind, too, as years ago my mother broke her leg on January day out walking with my dad in the woods. Here's to being safe!! Blessings to you!
Thank you for your message of hope. I am motivated to start a joy jar now. Love that idea. Love your channel. God bless
I am so glad you enjoyed your time at Old Stone Well Farm and are now motivated to start a joy jar! Funny thing is that jar of mine was for making sauerkraut, but after one failed attempt it remained empty on the shelf. And that's when the idea to fill it with joy suddenly popped into my head. (Just a little behind the scenes of Old Stone Well Farm!) Thank you for visiting me!!!! Blessings to you!
I pray my daughter comes back home with my grandchildren I am coming off my holiday high to feeling like😅😅
I will join you in prayer!
Thank you again for your word peace be with you ❣️🙏
Blessings to you!
Thank you so much for the "jar of joy" idea! I will be copying that idea starting today. May our Lord's richest blessings surround you :)
I am so glad you will be joining me with the jar of joy. It just came to me as I was "talking" to you all for this episode...I had originally purchased that jar to make homemade sauerkraut! After one failed attempt, I gave up and it has been empty ever since. I think filling it with joy is a lot better than sauerkraut! :) Blessings!
Always so happy yo get another video from you!
I am happy that I had time between my day job deadlines to get this to you! Blessings!
I love this idea..I am going to do this as well! God bless
Here in alaska after starting out with a huge snow storm and so much shoveling /only to melt out /we had a strange brown Christmas /rain storms and and pansies I saw in bloom out side its so warm /its a upside down world/for feeling people we just don't know what to feel/friends have been helping me with leaking pipes windows and roofs /to keep the stress away- - - I've been working away on a new blue Delft hand stitching piece of art- - - its a woman hair blowing in the wind wandering in the Aleutian gentian flowers looking for more blueberries for her basket when she is surprised by bees swirling all around her/I tucked little pretty hearts all in-between the bees /it's all in beautiful blue and white with some yellow fabrics /when I make art I feel like some of heaven opens up inside of me when-- - - i'm being a go getter with the amazing art genes I got through my dad/I love your channel as always/thank you!
The weather has been so crazy lately. But what a lovely winter project you have embarked on! I adore the combination of blue Delft and yellow fabric!!!! And the scene you are stitching sounds so beautiful. I would love to see it when it is done! Thank you for sharing - and for being part of Old Stone Well Farm! Blessings to you!
Lovely as always ❤
I concur! Thank you, Donna. You are such a blessing. 😊
Thank you!! This was an episode that I was struggling with a bit...but why do I fret when that happens. I woke up the next day and everything just fell into place. A lesson not just for Old Stone Well Farm, but for all of life!! Blessings to you!
Thank you! Your words make me smile!! Blessings to you!
Thank you for this video,greetings en blessings from the Netherlands from Maja.
So glad you joined me all the way from the Netherlands!!! Blessings to you!
Thanks pastor Donna blessings to you always ❤
And many blessings to you - always!!! :)
Greetings from sunny 🌞 Arizona!Love seeing your videos before ending my day. You always seem to have just the right words. Thank you sooooo much! I looked up Frederick Buechner and I’ll definitely be buying a book or three 😁 Also, I will be starting my joy jar 🏺 tomorrow as well.
Ah, sunny Arizona...I can do for some of that sunshine (without the biting cold!). :) And I am so glad that I introduced you to Frederick Buechner. I hope you enjoy his work as much as I have! So excited that you are starting a joy jar!! Yeah!! Blessings to you!
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Thank you!!! Many blessings to you!
❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
Many blessings to you! :)
Hello & Happy New Year!!
Hope is my word of the year ! I’m curious if anyone is familiar with Ann Voskamp’s book 1000 Gifts? Gratitude is a daily practice 🙏🏼🕊️
We go back to normal I need miraculously healing be released from my condition
I'll be happy to pray for you 🙏 Are you struggling with illness (if I may ask)?
Holding you in my prayers!!!
Are there any books you’d recommend that explore topics like the liturgical seasons, or theology in general?
Thank you. What a lovely channel. 🙏🌹🌿👋🤗👍JOY = Jesus, others, and yourself. 🩷
Thank you for your sweet compliment. And thank you for enjoying your time here at Old Stone Well Farm!!! Many blessings to you!!!
What a great idea! I don’t have a jar but a beautiful box I bought last year and I had no idea what I would do with it. Now I know! The first God moment (s) I put in it is « watching your videos ». They bring me such joy and hope, and love too!
Sending you the light and blessings for the coming year from here in England, l have my candles lit for quiet time,peace and all good, Linda xxx
And I too light a candle along with you!! Blessings to you from across the pond. (I will admit that one of my cues for writer's block yesterday was looking at cottages in the English countryside!!!)