//The green, green grass and blue, blue skies of Spring, and these babies delight the whole family nearly every day// … they even make it into Chamberlain’s prayers. When they hang out in the pasture near the house we see them kicking up heels and frolicking like they have not a care in the world.
//Ranch Hands// Those boys back there are really some of the sweetest and smartest—says their biased mother, and these ladies and their babies have sparked more research and money-saving, and talking and dreaming than anything else in ….ever!
//Tell-tale tracks in our driveway last night// … they looked so familiar to me and niggled at my brain….something seemed off. What was it? As soon as Phil mentioned a gate being left open, I knew it. Yes, these were the tracks of a *herd* running down a lane. It took me back to being seven years old on a dairy farm in Indiana—and the few times when we’d come home to find cows out and we’d chase them in again—or the times I’d help my dad herd heifers across the road and down the field lane to their pasture. All those hooves do a pretty big chop job on a dirt road.⠀
All the little things of farm life make you realize your need for and dependence on God—sometimes because of human error, and mostly just because you’re dealing with lots of living things that need LiFE and health. And so you pray!⠀
While Phil and the older ones went out to make sure all the mamas and babies were where they should be, Chamberlain and I knelt down to pray their safe return into the pasture. All ended well with everyone and we thanked Jesus for His mercy on us again.⠀
{Also, this morning a wild dog came running through the pasture, getting these ladies all riled up—I love to see them so feisty and protective of their young.}⠀
Back then I was the kid being raised on a farm—mostly carefree and loving it! Now I am one of the adults in this farm situation and it feels like big responsibility for the welfare of both man and beast around here. I’m loving the life—It’s just that life really does feel even more fragile and precious than it did thirty years ago! I am sticking close to the Source and Giver and Protector of LIFE. Aren’t we all so dependent on Him—for every breath? Days on the farm make you realize and remember that for sure.⠀
//Praise is awaiting you, O God// in Zion…. You hear prayer…As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them… Oh God of our salvation, You are the confidence of all the ends of the earth…being clothed with power….YOU MAKE THE OUTGOINGS OF THE MORNING AND EVENING REJOICE.” Psalm 65
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