Goat Stories
Goat Stories
We were out of grain at the
Kid barn, so I fed the little boys
their alfalfa hay early in place
of it. Later when it was actually
time to feed alfalfa,I was going to
withhold from them because
they had already had some early.
A goat is very routine oriented,
and when I failed to give it to them
when I ordinarily would have, they
were upset and started running in
and out of their house, looking at me
puzzled. The Lord said “Give them their
alfalfa.” After I did, He said “If you ask
me for something and I give it to you
right away, you are less likely to remember
it than if you ask and I wait to give it
to you. Sometimes it is in the waiting
that we see God move more clearly,
and in the building anticipation of
His answer, that we have the
opportunity to exercise faith.
Knowing that tribulation worketh
patience; and patience, experience;
and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed
Romans 5:3-5
Goat stories
We lock up the goats kids in the
Early evening as they get older so that
They can move toward being weaned,
And we always give them something
Good to eat in the kid pen, so they will
Think it is a good thing to go in when we
Put them away.
One day Ellie was crying to get put away
In the kid pen so that she could have
that little bit of grain we offer as incentive
to be willing to go through the gate. Ellie
couldn’t see ahead, and did not have
the foresight to know what would happen,
that she would be closed in, away
from her mom until the next morning
after milking.
Ellie only knew what she
thought she wanted, she didn’t have
the understanding to see that she was free, then
she, at her own insistence was put away,
and no longer free. In the same wise, we
often ask the Lord, even beg Him for
things we think we want, but we have no
understanding of what it will mean
if we get what we ask for, often times
our desires for ourselves
and our futures are not the thing that is best
for us, and the Lord being all knowing,
doesn’t always give us as we’ve asked
Him for but sooner what Is best.
GOAT STORIES
One day while milking the goats,
I called Josee for her turn to be
Milked, she didn’t come, I called
her again, she still refused to come.
So I called Kai as the next goat in
Line to be milked. After Kai was done,
I called Josee again, and this time
She came. The Lord calls us and calls
Us to come to Him, “I will be as a moth”
Hosea 5:12-15
What does a moth do? It bothers us,
Fluttering through the room,
just bothering,
Then when we still don’t respond, “I will be
as a Young lion, I even I will tear and go
away.” Have you ever seen a young cat
with something it has caught? The cat
grabs it then retreats to see what will it do.
This is when the Lord allows hardship to come
Into our lives, in order for us to see our need for
Him and that we can’t do it alone,
still calling to us through our hardship.
If we still don’t answer His call then He just
Goes away…we don’t hear His calling anymore…
we have until it is time to leave the barn to answer His
call, until our death, or until the rapture of the Church,
neither of which do we ever know the hour of.
Come let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn,
And He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will
Bind us up. Hosea 6:1
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is
The day of salvation 2 Corinthians 6:2
Goat Stories
When a kid was needing to put
On weight I put him alone in the
Yard with grain, every day he fought
To stay with the other kids who
Were eating hay, trying to stay with the
Provision he can see, sooner than realizing
I’m taking him to something better.
As people, we are much like this,
We often seek to hold onto the provision
We see, not realizing, the Lord has a
provision far better, which we can’t see.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to
Go out into a place which he should
After receive for an inheritance, obeyed;
And he went out, not knowing whither he
Went…..But now they desire a better country
That is, an heavenly: wherefore God is
not ashamed to be called their God:
for He hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 11:8 and 16
Goat stories
I was complaining of the cost of the
new goat grain we had transferred the
goats to because while it was much better
quality than the other feed we had been on,
it was also twice the price. The Lord told
me” Be open handed, even with the goats”
and I answered “But what about economy?”
and the Lord answered, “There is a difference
between economy and cheapness.” Give, and it
shall be given unto you; good measure,
pressed down, and shaken together, and
running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete
withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 6:38
And all these blessings shall come on thee
and overtake thee, if Thou shalt hearken unto
the voice of the Lord Thy God.
Deuteronomy 28:2
Goat Stories
I had let one of the goats out to come and be
Milked , and she was going mad waiting for me
To put the grain in the bin , pretty much having a hissy
Fit , “can’t you just be patient ?”I asked her , then came
The Lord’s resounding voice , “Are you patient for your
Reward ?” he asked me , “No Lord” I admitted “Your
Reward will come , but you must be patient until it does”
I am a rewarded of those who diligently seek me Heb. 11:6
And I know the Lord is right , one day the reward will come
After much toil and many trials on this earth , but how I long
To hear Him say those words , “well done good and faithful
Servant” Matt.25:23
Goat Stories
I was cleaning the boy’s goat barn , and I was talking to the
Lord complaining, couldn’t he just fix this messy world now
Rather than later ? Can’t you make things better for us now
Rather than later ? While I was distracted talking to him ,
I accidentally put hay in the boys’ second hay bin before I
Had cleaned that side of their house , they rushed in then
To eat the hay , and the Lord said to me, “Do you see what
Happens if I give you your reward now instead of at the
Right time ? Your reward can get in the way of me cleaning
The mess if it is given at the wrong time .”
And behold , I come quickly and my reward is with me , to
Give every man according as his works shall be Rev. 22:12
Behold I come quickly ;hold fast that which thou hast ,
That no man take they crown . Rev. 3:11
Goat Stories
I was cleaning in the goat pen , we were experimenting with the deep bedding system
and the Lord said, put that bucket full over the top over there on top of that pit
on top of the good hay you put in there . and I said no Lord , it's dirty stuff The Lord said
do you want to preserve what you've built up there ? or do you want the goats to eat it ?
So I took the bucket , and spread it out over the other hay in the pit . The Lord said to me
I build on a firm foundation , out of even the filthy parts of your life because it is out
of that filth that you learn to trust me and stand on the solid ground I provide .
Goat Stories
I observed that as we had dug down deep in the dirt floor of the goat pen
it actually made deep pits in the sand trying to keep the goats out of
their own filth . By raking fastidiously day after day ,we were having to do
a deep bedding system in those holes we'd dug , in order to fill them in
and stop eroding . It was the hardest thing I had ever done to leave them
in their own filth as it were , and that , for their own good , to fix what
had gone wrong. It occurred to me how much more difficult for the Lord
to leave us in our own filth , and how he must want to clean us up if only
we would allow .
Goat Stories
I was dreaming last night , and figured out the real reason Lucy is so
opposed to me . At night time milking , I was letting Kaya go first
and Lucy was supposed to be going first , but my sister had not brought
the milk bucket yet . And this was not expected by Lucy , and when the
expected thing doesn't happen , then the goats 100% of the time will spook
It's the same when you skip the order of rank , if you don't have grain,
when you don't give you their treat coming off of the stanschion ,
All of these things frighten them . In the same way , we as humans
grow frightened , panicked , and spook when the thing we think should
happen , expect to happen , doesn't , and we too run away from God
just as Lucy runs from me , because when the expected doesn't happen ,
we then don't know what to expect .
Goat Stories
I was giving a goat (Cheyenne) a treat , and I watched her very
closely , and noted that as she waited for me to give her the treat ,
she never looked at my hand , or even at the treat , but she gazed
continuously into my face.
Seek the Lord and His strength , seek His face continually 1 Chronicles 16:11
Goat stories
A young goat was running around the goat yard crying to the Lord
for leaves as we have often seen the goats do .And while they are doing this
they don't look at us even if we talk to them , they keep looking heavenward .
So the little goat kept crying and crying and looking up expectantly.
Now normally the Lord rains the leaves down right away ,
but this time she just kept crying and nothing was happening.
And the Lord said " Sometimes when nothing seems to be happening , just be patient
and keep waiting expectantly ( because that was what the goat was doing, looking
expectantly , despite the fact that she didn't see anything happening )
"And I'll rain down a bounty on you " The Lord finished . And all of the sudden
all of these leaves came showering down on the ground , all just for the one
little goat , because she was the only one out there . So then she ran around
picking up all the leaves , she left one leaf behind , and another smaller baby
goat ran out in the yard and cried and cried and cried . And the Lord gave her nothing .
And finally she sees the one leaf the first goat missed , and she ran and ate it , and
then went in the barn . "And sometimes when you're crying for something ,
I've already provided it for you . " the Lord finished .
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good !
Psalm 34:8
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much .
James 5:1
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
Psalm 147:9
The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.
Psalm 104:21
Goat Stories
I fed the goats at evening feeding , and one of the friendly baby goats ,
(Blackberry) was following me as I fed , and the Lord said , look at her
I looked down at her , the Lord said , she's already been fed
it's not the food she wants from you but a relationship with you
and sure enough , her mouth was full of hay , and she was still running
after me jumping on me , asking to be picked up , and I realized we need
to not concentrate so much on what God is doing for us , and giving to us
but on our relationship with Him . because despite the fact Blackberry
had provision , she was still chasing after me .
Sheep and goat story
Today I was relating to someone how the sheep need a shepherd and know it. They ask for help when they know they can't do something themselves . In contrast while a goat also needs a Shepherd , but doesn't know it. It will keep on trying and trying to go it alone because they're independent minded and will try and do it all themselves, getting in too much more trouble because of it. in the same way Christians in their time of need will turn to their Shepherd which is the Lord and ask for help. Where the non-christians of this world just keep going trying to do it all for themselves.
Sheep and goat story
Today I was talking to a visitor to our Homestead about the way goats behave when they are out grazing loose from their pen. They run from one thing to the next and act insane. I suddenly realized that the Sheep don't do that so much. When a sheep is let loose they may dash here or there ,but after a while they settle down and graze peacefully, but with a goat the longer they are out the worse they behave. So that at last I have to take my shepherd staff and escort them in because they are getting into too much mischief. In the same way the more a Christian i e a sheep is lent their freedom ,the better they handle it, settling in and calming and at last being content where the Lord has put them to “ graze” that being where they live, work, and recreate. But a non-Christian which the Bible calls a goat ,when lent their freedom will become more and more destructive in their own self-willed ways until at last they have to hit their their bottom .A friend of mine told me for him his bottom was living in a cardboard box on the street, having destroyed his family with his alcoholism before he realized he needed to change and that that change required a submission to Christ.
Sheep and Goat Stories
We try to keep our sheep and goats separate by using bio security methods
between the pens , but the baby sheep kept going up to the goats and touching
heads through the fence , and the goats escaped and ended up in the sheep's
graze area , they kept getting in together and contaminating the sheep.
I said Lord ! , and he said , that's why I wait until the end to separate the sheep
and the goats , because they're just going to get in together , and even minute
contact can contaminate you , the Lord said , I try to keep you from being
contaminated by the world , but you still do get contaminated , and that is
why I need you in my Word to be cleansed .
Sheep and Goat Stories
The Lord had told me to hand feed the baby goats their grain ,
normally I'd give them a little , then put down the pan so they could eat the rest.
So I hand fed them , and the Lord said , you see how after a minute , they are no longer
looking for where their provision is looking for (ie the pan ) but only at your hand ?
And I noted , that my sister and I had been looking everywhere for the
source of our provision , at egg sales , for customers at the top of the hill ,
at ebay , at our parents , and not at the Lord's hand . Then the Lord said
Now look at that little goat , and I looked at Sugar , who was ignoring my hand ;
looking in the sky , and on the ground , and everywhere but at my hand .
The Lord said , do you see how in trying to look for where it's coming from
to find it herself , she ends up getting nothing ? Or getting what isn't the best.
because she was eating the crumbs that fell on the ground . We too must , instead
of seeking our own way , seek and find God's way , and look to his hand , for
what he will give us , for what he wants us to have .
Sheep & Goat Stories
We had been having a rough time financially , wondering why it all has to
be so hard , and having a general fit of depression about all of our troubles
So today it was raining hard , windy etc. and I started out in Brat and the
Ram's pen . Before I got in there the Lord said , don't spray anything out
today with the hose . So I started raking in there , and the water had
combined with the manure to create a sort of sewage swill.
I said , I'm sorry Lord , I have to spray this out , I can't leave this like this
I can't leave them in this filth . And the Lord said , it's for your convenience.
and I said well if that's the case then I really have to clean it , The Lord said ,
exactly , I can't leave you in your filth either. In Job , it says , When I have been tried
I will come forth as pure as silver , so the reason then for the trial is to purify us , and
while it inconvenient to be tried so , he also can't leave us in our filth.
Sheep & Goat Stories
The Lord told me to use the remaining money from the sale of a sheep
for goat grain , I had wanted it for improvements on the sheep barn
as I was taking the grain to the goat grain and complaining
He said , you should do that more happily . I said , yes , but it's hard.
The Lord said ,if you have it in your ability to do , you need to do it.
I said , but you have it in your ability to do things for us , but you don't
always do it. The Lord said , you teach the goats not to trust you
when you don't have their grain . And I said , exactly , don't
you teach us not to trust you ? The Lord said , no , I teach you
to trust me anyway .
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and
my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91 :2
Sheep and Goat Stories
I was worried about provision for the goats , and fretting about it
as I took out the excess vegetables too far gone to be used as snacks for the sheep
and as I was composting it in the woods , and the Lord said , go and look at
the biggest tree you have here ( which was a very large spruce we call Big Tree)
First I said , I don't want to walk all the way over there , and he said , go over to Big Tree,
so I went , and He said , look at that tree , that tree here was here since
Lewis and Clark were here ( spruce live 700-800 years ) and through the years
anything could have happened to that tree to take it out , when it was a sapling
the deer could have eaten it right down , and it's been through a lot of storms
but I provided for it , protected it , for all of these years , and in the same way ,
I can protect you , provide for you .
Sheep and Goat Stories
I was feeding the sheep some second rate carrots , and the goats some good quality
peels off of the first rate carrots ,
and I thought , why don't i give the sheep the best of everything ?
and the Lord said , the goats are "too good " for such things ,
ie. goats are picky and ungrateful. as a sheep , you gratefully receive
even the most imperfect of things ,
nothing is to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving . 1 Tim 4:4
Sheep and Goat Stories
Realizing that God had asked us to do this raising of sheep and goats ,
In the mornings I began to grow anxious to do the work that was
given me to do in caring for them , and I found myself hurrying through
my bible study and prayers again , and immediately the Lord reminded me
again , don't get so caught up in the work itself that you leave Me behind
you can labor "for Christ" and end up leaving Christ behind and out of
it even in ministry .
Sheep story goat story
After being in the Sheep pen I moved to go to the goat pen. I was going to spray off my rubber boots so I didn't contaminate the other pen when the Lord stopped me and said.” It isn't important to clean your feet when going from the Sheep to the goats but sooner when you're going from the goats to the Sheep, that is what contaminates.” And it seemed wise as a spiritual sheep we must cleanse our hands and feet when walking the world in amongst the goats, by getting in the word and praying etc and in having a time like the Israelites who went to war where you purify yourself of the unclean you've touched before re-entering "the camp" again.
Goat and sheep story
I was noting to myself that this morning our bad weather had abated ,the storm was gone. I was very grateful of it, because it was a rough night with gale force winds and torrents of rain. I was thinking of how grateful I was to the Lord that the storm had passed and how sad for those on the East Coast with Hurricane Matthew whose storm was continuing today. The Lord noted to me how it was the same with our storms in this life, they are but for a moment as compared with our life when we are with Him in heaven because we are believers and how much more tragic the storms that will continue for those who do not believe,those will not know Heaven as their eternal home when they pass from this life into an eternity in torment in hell.
For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Corinthians 4:17
Sheep Stories
Dog Stories
Dog story
All day I was trying to keep my dog from going into the woods and finding the bear I had shot 10 days ago and eating on it again, giving him goodies to convince him to stay. The Lord was showing me that what he offers is enough to keep us from what is unholy. It is enough That it will fill us and to content us and keep us from fleshly lusts that the world outside has to offer and yet even still there are times when we will go for what is unholy. As Paul said, that which I hate is what I do, that which I want to do I don't do oh, Wretched Man that I am.
Dog Stories
We were having a rain storm during evening chores , two
of the dogs were waiting by the gate for me to come back
from the hen house , and I could see they were getting
soaking wet . I yelled at them to go to the barn , I was upset
with them because I didn't understand why they didn't go
inside , but there they stood , determined to wait for me
no matter what. The Lord spoke to me " I want you to be just
like these dogs , wait for me just as anxiously in the storm as
you do in the sunshine ." When we go through trials and troubles
"storms " , it is very easy to take our eyes off of the Lord , to become
discouraged and angry , to let worry steal our peace , but this is a choice .
We can choose to wait on the Lord , to keep our eyes on Him !
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalms 27:14
Dog story
I was out looking for my dog Cooper and realizing he could be anywhere, he could be just right there in the brush and unless he comes when I call or answers me I won't be able to find him. The Lord was showing me that ,yes the Good Shepherd does go out looking for the lost sheep until he finds it ,but in order for him to find it the sheep which knows his voice must call back as our little lamb Zion did when she was lost in the woods. He is able to save even to the uttermost those who trust in God , but this day if you hear his knock upon the door of your heart,open the door to him, to call out ,to seek us is the Lord's to do,but to answer is our own responsibility.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.Rev 3:20
Dog story
The puppies were in their puppy yard barking and barking as I was putting out the sheep because my dog Hunter cannot be left alone even for a minute. While it is annoying that they bark like that, it mostly just makes you feel bad for him. The Lord said to me “ That dog is barking like you, his calling and calling is just like you petitioning me to come and appear in the rapture. That is the reason I am coming soon.”
And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:Luke 18:6
Dog story
I was eating an apple and my dogs Rogue and Hunter were asking for little bites. I gave Rogue a bite in spite of how I knew he couldn't eat it. But I very carefully made sure that Hunter got a bite he could eat..The Lord pointed out to me that it isn't as if I love the one dog more, just as it isn't that God loves us more, but only that my dog Hunter seeks me for me alone. My dog Rogue seeks provision. So Hunter gets me and the provision, where Rogue just gets provision being rewarded with what he's asked for which is the lesser thing. This reminded me of the feeding of the 5000 and how they wanted only provision and it reminded me of what he's putting us through showing us to look to Him for relationship and not just to His hand for what we need on a daily basis.
Dog story
I was in the barn milking. My sister was moving hay from the truck and the puppies were in the way. They love to chase the wheels on the dolly so I called them in there to me, promising them milk in order to get them out of the way . Despite their young age ,they came at once and very obediently stood at the end of the milking stanchion waiting for the promised reward. However I had just started milking the doe and had nothing to give them and it occurred to me that we are often wanting our rewards and expecting them immediately and in the now, but that we must be patient in order to receive the better reward eternally and sometime is it is hard to focus on that goal.
For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory
2nd Corinthians 4:17
Dog story
Every morning when it's time to go down to do chores, I put my puppy Hunters harness on him so he can walk on his leash,having had the night off from it so it doesn't wear on him too much. I had been observing the way he comes to me when I call him to have it put on, he does the same thing every day . He does not struggle or nip or think we're playing a puppy game. He stands or sits his head lowered ,his ears down ,and he submits to me to have it put on and he looks submissive . It occurred to me today that when the Lord tells us to put on the whole armor of God ,each one of those steps is total surrender, total submission in order that we should wear on us the thing that will lead us, guide us, and protect us. Each step is submission, submission to the word of God which is our sword, submission to faith which is our shield ,to Christs sacrifice ,which is our salvation and helmet, to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, that always is to take submission. How we like my pup ought to come to the Lord every morning and submit to have such harnesses put on us in order that we might walk according to his will and his way.
Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord and the power of His night. put on the whole armor of god, that you may be able to stand against the walls of the devil. will we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers, against the rulers of Darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places. wherefore take unto you the whole armor of god, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. stand therefore, having your loins of Girt about with truth, and have being on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace above all taking the shield of faith, we're with you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the word of god.
Ephesians Six: 10 - 17
Puppy story
Rogue and Hunter have a friendly brotherly rivalry as Hunter takes everything Rogue gets and plays with it himself. Rogue as I observed ,knows he can trust me with his toys and his bones ,so he comes to me and chews his bones on my lap. He shows me his new teddy bear toys and looks for me to give things to him and if they're taken to give them back. As a dog mom ,dogs look to us as they would their parents .They look to us to give to them ,not to take away, and they know they can trust us with whatever they put in our hands. Likewise our earthly parents know how to give good gifts, a child isn't to lay up for the parent but parents for the children, and a father knows how to give good gifts to his children . Likewise our heavenly father knows how to give good gifts to us and he is trustworthy with whatever we put into his hands just as I am with Rogues toys and bones .
Puppy story
My dog Hunter had an injury on his ear and I had just read that ear injuries can be long and tedious to heal, impossible to bandage. I was finding it to be exactly the case with this pup's ear. I treated it with every first aid and antiseptic and antibiotics that I could think of. I even tried to bandage it which lasted all of 2 seconds. Finally after days the Lord told me to leave it alone and do nothing else for it. That was very hard for me because it seemed the thing to do to keep treating it until it was all better. I trusted that the Lord knew best and I left it alone however. This morning I see it is looking better, in fact almost healed and the Lord told me immediately that when I am working ,busy doing, He can't work ,He Can't do. He told me I need to ask Him to help, then commit to do what He says to do even if that is to get out of His way so He can do it the way He sees fit.
Dog story
I have noticed it that in our little dog family there is always a nurturer, one who notices someone needs eyes or ears cleaned and cleans them.And there is always one who acts as the watchdog, who barks in alarm when there is trouble. In our little dog family Hunter is the nurturer and Rogue is the watchdog.Hunter does not bark when there is someone at the door or at a frightening noise, Rogue does and as long as someone else is on duty Hunter is not. Today Hunter was lying by the wood stove getting warmed up after chores and a Coast Guard helicopter went overhead pretty low and really loud. Rogue was out of the room and it was just Hunter and I and he didn't say a word though the helicopter visibly alarmed him, he just kept looking from the window to me ,and back to the window and then to me. As if to see did I hear that? Trying to gauge was I worried ,so that he would know if he should be worried. And what did I think about it. I told him as I always do when he is afraid ,that it is okay ,and he calmed down about it because he knew I knew, because I was watching and aware, because I didn't seem worried or upset, because he thinks I have it all under control.
In the same way when we grow afraid or alarmed at the ‘’Coast Guard helicopters’’ in our lives we should look to the Lord for guidance, for assurance, and believe it that he knows it what it is that is happening and is in control of it.
Behold he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep .The Lord is Thy keeper. The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. Psalms 121:4-7
Puppy story
I had the puppies in the yard attached to the pig barn and was busy breaking down boxes to recycle as we get in a lot of produce in them for the pigs and have to do something with them. I opened the gate to go and get the wheelbarrow to take it to the truck and the boys tried to run out and in the background as I had left the barn door open, one of the other dogs was trying to go in the pig barn which they are not allowed to do for safety reasons. I looked at the mayhem unfolding and I told the three dogs “ Just because a door is open, doesn't mean you are supposed to go through it! You are not so young that you should not know that!” Immediately the Lord showed me how we too as Christians must be careful of what doors we are left to pass through when we are young in the faith. Sometimes an open door seems like the logical choice, but can end in disaster for us, and for safety we are better to pass up the opportunity. In everything we do, we should look to the Lord to guide us, so that we do not act recklessly, foolishly, like the young pups recognizing that just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should .
Brethren we have been called unto liberty, only use not Liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient. 1 Corinthians 6:12
Go to now you that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city and continue for a year and buy and sell and get gain whereas you know not what shall be on tomorrow, for what is your life it is even a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away, for the ought to say, if the Lord will we will live and do this or that. James 4:13-15
Puppy story
For my pup Hunter eating his breakfast or dinner is the most exciting and favorite time of the day. But I have taught him to be disciplined in the way that he does it. although he is just a pup, I make him and his brother lie down and stay and wait while I measure out the food into the bowl and divide it evenly between the two bowls just in case they ever want their own bowl which they never do. At this stage in their life they like to share . For 4 month old pups they are doing very well indeed in their training with only occasional reminders and corrections needed. Today Hunter for the first time came in ahead of me and was already laying down quietly to wait for me to tell him the command “okay” so that he can rise from the stay and position and go and reap the reward. In the same way as the Lord has us waiting for our reward and though we like these youngsters grow impatient at times for the Lord's arrival in his return for his church. Over time we see the benefit of doing as the Lord asks us to, living a quiet disciplined Godly life while we wait in eager anticipation for the much-awaited and Glorious Day of His return!
Now you turn to God from Idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his son from Heaven whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1Thessalonians 10: 9 - 10
Puppy story
For my dog Hunter, his favorite time of the day is meal time. I have trained him to lie down and stay to wait for it. This is hard for a young pup to wait for me to tell him it is “ okay” before he comes from the stay command I put him on to eat in his dish. Hunter has developed an interesting habit ,while eating he wags his tail the whole time and the whole time keeps an eye on me as if he's afraid to let me out of his sight. If I move out of his sight even for a moment he leaves his beloved doggy kibble and he comes looking for me wanting my approval in everything he does above all else. Tonight as he ate his meal I was struck by how much we should be like my little Hunter. It is okay to enjoy the good things life has to offer, as long as we are putting the Lord first, as long as we are obedient first, and keep our eye upon Him continually looking for His goodness, His mercy, His benevolence. looking to please Him in all things making His continued presence and are good standing with Him are top priority.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God Hebrews 12:2
Puppy story
My puppy Rogue loves to play in the sheep yard while the sheep are away on their morning graze. I had left the yard closed even though the sheep were out intending to open it as soon as I was finished with the one task. In the meanwhile I had left the ram out into the adjoining yard. Not knowing the danger of being too close to the fence when the ram is in his yard, Rogue was anxiously looking for me to open the yard and not paying attention to the ram , then Wham! The ram hit the fence and the dog on the other side of it .I heard the sound of his large curled horns against the cyclone fencing. I then saw Rogue running away, tail tucked between his legs shivering and shaking. I called him back to reassure him ,seeing he was unharmed . But he ran and hid in the goat barn and peeked out at the ram fearfully from inside. Everyday afterward when I let the ram out in the puppy yard ,preparing to put him out to graze, Rogue would run away and shiver and shake . If I was there he would ask for a kiss and a cuddle and climb in my arms. I began to see that while he was afraid of the ram and rightfully so ,a healthy fear of a ram is never a bad thing for a dog or a person, once I went and got the ram to take him out, extracting him from the pen and holding him by his horn ,which is the safest way to handle a ram by far ,Rogue no longer feared him but ran alongside the ram jumping and leaping and every now and then giving the ram a kiss in the face. The Lord showed me how my little dog knew that I had control of the ram and as long as I had control of the ram it was nothing to be afraid of. In the same way ,once we realize that God is in control of our circumstances and of those who might wish us harm, we can rest confident in the Lord, even though the circumstance may be frightening and our enemies may be powerful .As long as we know that he God is in charge of it and we trust the Lord with our very lives then we don't have to be afraid.
These things have I spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Puppy story
I was cleaning in the goat yard and Hunter ran over and started digging. Now I know the cats are using the sand in the goat yard as a litter box and that was why he was digging. At once the Lord tells me ‘’leave him to eat it’’ and of course I moved to stop him. I took and raked up the cat poop I could find and tossed it over the fence. Hunter went right back to it, so I drove him away, and shouted at him and he just kept on going back to it. I said ‘’Lord I can't just ignore what he is doing.’’ and the Lord said “ You need to let him find out on his own not to eat cat poop” I argued “ But Lord he will just go right back to doing it”. and the Lord said “ When he gets filled with enough good things then he will not go back to it”. Which is what I know happens with the dogs, as they go through phases of doing these things. I've seen them stop eating poop once they were nutritionally okay and I've discovered with my own diet, drinking juice lately all my cravings for snacks are gone. Likewise when we're filled with good things of the Lord then we don't want the bad things. At once then I applied this all to our relatives and what they are doing and the world and the immorality in it. And I said “ Lord, I can't just ignore it.” I looked over at Hunter looking for more kitty poo. “ I don't expect you to ignore it” the Lord replied. “ but look at what happens when you are trying to stop it. You are leaving the work I gave you to do, in this case cleaning the goat yard, and you are trying to do something about it yourself. I have control over your relatives and over what is happening in the world.” I realized He was right .I had left off my work . Steadily beholding the image of God and being transformed from glory to glory and witnessing God's salvation plan through Christ. I realized by beholding the image of those things that are going on around us you become less like God ,more like them. Lot was so busy being vexed in Sodom that he forgot to be about his business ,the Lord's business and so there were no souls to save from Sodom besides Lot's own because he had not been busy for the Lord.
After this happened, I noticed I had dog poop on my foot in the house and had tracked it all the way through the house on the carpet. I was going to get a rag and clean it up and the Lord warned I would embed it deeper in the carpet by trying to clean it. likewise in trying to clean up the world and our relatives, it only embeds the sin in deeper.
Puppy story
I have learned teaching the puppies to point pheasants for hunting that when they are young they do everything by sight. They have to see the bird or the bird wing in order to point it. Later on as they mature they will point even a strong smell of pheasant. In the same way we walk by faith not by sight but when we are young in the Lord we try to believe only what we can see. When we are older, our senses are more developed with maturity and faith grows stronger so that we are then able to see with our eyes of faith and not our physical senses.
Puppy story
My puppy Hunter had an ear injury that I treated repeatedly ,multiple times a day ,trying everything I could and meeting with no luck in healing. Finally the Lord told me to leave it alone with no treatment . That seemed wrong to me but with reluctance I didn't do anything else and within a couple of days the stubborn injury was well on its way to healing. The Lord revealed to me that even when something seems to be the right thing ,the right way, it can end up to be wrong and that man's wisdom is foolishness . There is a way that seems right to man, the end of which is destruction. It is always better and often easier to just believe God and do things His way then to fight Him to keep going my way when my way just isn't working and never will.
Dog story
Every morning when I come into the living room I kneel beside the couch to pray before reading the scriptures in order to start the day out right. This morning I sat down for a second first and the puppies got settled in around me and when it came time to pray I thought maybe it would be easier to skip kneeling and pray sitting because I may lose my seat to Rogue, my one year old pup who is sitting quietly beside me on the couch and who always takes the opportunity when I kneel to pray to jump on my head and make a general nuisance of himself. While they are large puppies now at one year old and certainly the biggest Setters we ever raised at 50 lb they still, as my sister says ,have tiny minds because they are still just pups. And just like any pups they are easily over excited and sometimes forget their manners and jump up on people. The Lord, taking note of my hesitation to kneel took the opportunity to make it a teachable moment and explain to me how easily convenience and intimidation as well as the threat of loss of position physically, employment, or in someone else's view can sway us in our spiritual life and in our devotion to God. He revealed that we shouldn't let anything deter us from our daily walk with Him and to be like Daniel who in spite of the edict of a king that such a thing would bring death continued to pray to God in his rooms with the window, open three times a day. This was just as he had always done before the edict was given and despite the very real threat that was posed by being cast into the lion's den, he did not lose his life or his position. In fact his stand saved the soul of a king who witnessed it. Stand up for Jesus, you will never be sorry if you do, and will almost certainly be sorry if you don't!
Puppy story
I was sweeping around the wood stove with the small room for cleaning the stove out . My puppy Rogue is in love with anything that sweeps the tiny broom being his favorite cleaning Implement of all. He was chasing it being a general nuisance until I had to put it away. Its proper place is right by the back of the wood stove. Rogue, not knowing when to give up chasing the tiny broom squeezed in between the wood box and the stove which was super heated as the draft had been open to take the chill off the room. Immediately perceiving the danger he was in of being badly burned I shouted at him to come out of there. I saw that my call would come too late. The pup was intent on his purpose. I reached in and grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back.At once I realized that this is what we as Christians are purposed to do with brothers in error or the lost sinner who would be saved. We are to warn them with love and compassion but in other cases with fear to act on their behalf.
Keep yourselves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life and of some have compassion in making a difference others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 23
Puppy story
My puppy's Rogue and Hunter always play in the same way. Rogue gets a toy and as soon as Hunter sees he has it ,Hunter takes it from him and plays with it himself. Rogue then looks sad and lets him do it and watches Hunter play and have fun with the toy. A game which is more fun for Hunter than for Rogue as might be imagined. Well Rogue had decided since toys always get taken from him and he's not allowed to play with them to start investing in things that Hunter couldn't take away. Like sitting on my lap and getting attention, and this morning he had taken to laying right outside the closed door of the room where I feed the cat so that when the cat is let out he can get whatever the cat left of his food and Hunter can't take it away from him. This morning I thought about how smart a pup my Rogue is to think of investing in things that couldn't be taken from him . I thought about how wise we would be to invest in the same by investing not in money and things ‘ toys’ but in what things matter.Like in climbing up to sit with the Lord in some quiet times, and investing in ingestion of the word, which cannot be taken from us.
Puppy and pig story
Every morning when I come down for chores I let the puppies out and let them run ahead of me because they are high energy and need to run it off. As soon as the pigs see the dogs they set up to squealing because they know that they are going to be fed soon Because I am coming straight behind. Now they haven't seen me yet and I'm the one who feeds them. They get nothing from the dogs themselves, only they know when the dogs show up then I am soon to follow and then bring them their food. In the same way if we watch and listen we too can see the signs and signals of when the Lord will be returning for us to bring us our reward as He has promised. So that seeing those things coming to pass, we like the piglets might call out for joy, Maranatha the Lord is coming.
And when these things begin to come to pass and look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh Luke 21:28
Puppy story
Daily in my quiet time with the Lord I have a minute to kneel down in prayer as I find that this position of subjection and humility gets me on a proper course for the day. Every day my dog hunter runs over to the chair I kneel by and puts his front paws up on the seat beside me and he bows his head with me. Now I taught the dog I lost ,who was killed, to say his prayers and he would put his paws up and place his head between them and bow his head on command as kind of a parlor trick. But I never taught Hunter anything like that. He just learned from watching me and wanting to be near me and involved in everything I do. Today as I kneel to pray and he bowed his head too it occurred to me what an example we as Christians can set for those around us who we may not even realize are watching us, so that they too might wish to emulate the faith and Godly living that we are projecting. So that those who are new in the Lord or have fallen away might be restored to a good solid Christian walk and those who are unsaved might be convinced by our good example to have faith in God as well.
Therefore brethren stand fast and hold the traditions which we have been taught whether by word or by epistle. How our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even Our Father which have loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts establish you in every good word and work. 2Thessalonians 2:15 through 17
Puppy story
I have been struggling all day with questions about focus and being focused on the wrong things in life, from having no money and being focused on asking for daily provision, to being prospered a little and not having to ask all the time for daily needs. Finding I had felt a little empty when things seemed too easy and the Lord was showing me that they were both the same problem with a focus problem. I was on my way back to the puppy yard where I had left the puppies for a minute and the boys were all excited to see me coming from a long ways off. I passed the apple tree and the Lord told me to get the boys each an apple. I picked them up and held them up for the boys to see while I was still a ways off and told them I was bringing them a treat. They got even more excited to see me coming because they love to both play with apples as if it was a ball and to eat them for a snack. I got up to the gate and they were jumping against it and I was going to toss the apples over to them but the Lord spoke and said “Give them to them directly. so I held them out for the boys to take and I paused as the Lord spoke again “ Do you see? They can see both you and the apple.” He noted. I looked at the position of my hand and the focus of their gaze as I held it out high enough because they were standing against the gate that they could see both the apple in my hand and my face behind that. “ It is all right for you to see the provision ;as you have to be grateful for it ,but you also need to see me.” The Lord noted to me It was explained to me perfectly in one sentence in one parable the very thing I had been struggling with for so many months. I was worried about only seeing the Lord's hand and not His face, worried about being too focused on temporary things that pass away.
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Romans 14:17
And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me to give every man according to his work shall be Revelation 22:12
Puppy story
I had left the boys closed in our house while I had went up to the main house to get a cinnamon roll. I was gone a little while eating my roll and I knew the boys would be upset I had left them. so I planned to give them part of my piece of buttered potato bread. The Lord told me when I'd eaten half the piece to save the other half for the boys I saved it by for them and the Lord told me to sweep the floor as it was a mess. When I was done I went to leave and the Lord showed me how the treat I would give the puppies was a really good treat and worth waiting even a long time for. In then the same way he having been gone these 2,000 years since He was resurrected, the reward upon His return must be a very good one.
Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me Revelation 22:12
Puppy story
Hunter and Rogue were running along toward the baby goat pen and having been just let out of their puppy fence they were excited because they like to go play in the potato patch in the garden. I thought it was a good time to do a come exercise with them as they are still in training but the Lord told me not to call them. “ Don't try them when you know they will fail.” he warned. I realized that the Lord never tries us beyond what we can endure, never sets us up to fail. He never gives us a task He knows we have no hope to achieve and expects us to achieve it because He knows it will do nothing but bring frustration.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it.
Puppy story
I was sitting on the couch, my hand lay on the cushion beside me inert. Rogue was roaming around the living room and found a tidbit of something on the floor left over from sharing a lunch. He ate it and Hunter ,who had been sleeping across the room woke up, and hearing his brother eating something crossed to him ,he did not look at Rogue, he didn't look on the floor for more tidbits ,but he looked directly in my face. He stuck his nose in my hand to see if I had anything in it, knowing immediately that if Rogue had something to eat then someone gave him something to eat. He surmised that it must have come from me. I considered how incredible it is that even a dog knows what it takes us ,as Christians years to understand. If you have something, God gave it to you, it wasn't just discovered by you, it wasn't earned by you by working. If you have food on your plate, and a roof over your head, and clothes on your back, those were all given to you by God. Saved or unsaved God gives all things to all men, you would have nothing if it hadn't been given. So the next time you enjoy a meal, or have a house to stay warm and dry in, drive somewhere in your car, or put on a fresh pair of clothes, don't gloat or praise your own efforts, attribute good luck or hard earnings, thank God that you have it because it came first from His hand.
Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Psalms 147:7-11
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Psalms 73
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
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.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
Psalms 34:15 through 19
Puppy story
The puppies wanted to come with me into the sheep yard to clean. Both puppies came but then Hunter left it and went back to the puppy yard leaving Rogue in the sheep yard alone. Seeing the boys were upset at the separation I tried to call Rogue back out of the sheep yard and into the puppy yard ,but Rogue had a look on his face of ‘no fair.’ I suddenly realized, why should he be punished when it was Hunter who's strayed? So I called Hunter back into the sheep yard and everything was fine.
For the rod of the wicked will not rest on the lot of the righteous lest the righteous put forth his hand to do iniquity Psalm 125:3
Puppy story
While I clean the goat yard I let my puppies run around and play in it. Rogue loves to dig holes, so he was digging a hole next to the goats balance beam. Holes can be dangerous to goats as they can twist an ankle in them ,so I was not surprised when the Lord told me I had to fill in the hole before I left the goat yard. I was surprised at the response I gave to it. I was immediately annoyed with Rogue for digging the hole and with his brother Hunter for helping him dig it. I was going to tell them to stop in a less than patient tone when the Lord stopped me. “ Because I told you to fill in the hole you now think you are responsible for it.” the Lord pointed out. I didn't answer, only listened as He continued knowing He would teach me something now. It wasn't bothering me before He pointed out to me that the pups were digging, but when I knew I had to fill it in it was bothering me then. I was actually kind of mad about it. The Lord showed me how He had told us to pay the back property taxes and ever since then, we felt we were responsible for them “ I am responsible for the hole and for the property taxes , it is not just you who fills in the hole, who pays the taxes, it is me who does it, using you. but it's still me who does it” He pointed out. Whenever we know we must do some overwhelming task we feel that burden keenly, and as if the weight of the world were upon our shoulders, but that is only because we forget about God. we forget that He is there promising to help us with our burdens.
Come on to me all ye that labor and our heavy laden and I will give you rest, take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light Matthew 11:28
Puppy story
I was sitting by the fire in the morning after early morning tours and Rogue came up to me and wanted to sit in my lap with me as he always does after tours. He was damp from being outside because I had been raining and I told him to wait a minute, and he looks so disappointed and I explained to him as I got out his wet dog blanket and spread it over my lap that it wasn't a no. Just wait a minute. He could still sit with me. I just didn't want him to get me wet too. The Lord showed me suddenly how quick to be hurt and disappointed we are as people when everything doesn't seem to go our way and what we were hoping for doesn't come to pass it once. I recalled how often I had heard Godly people rightly say that with God there are three answers to any prayer, yes, no, and wait. Of course anything but the first answer is a big disappointment to us. But sometimes if we just hold on and be patient He will bring it to pass.
Being confident in this very thing that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ Philippians 1:6
Puppy story
We were leaving Island Lake having just finished a tough day fishing with no fish and few bites and I was in the backseat of the car with the two puppies when Rogue noticed that he didn't have to strain to look out the front windshield like they always do, but he could see even better looking out the back window of the car. So there he was all excited watching the scenery vanishing from view out behind us, very pleased with himself and his eyes sparkling and full of wonder. Then he noticed that looking behind wasn't all it was cracked up to be, after all the better view was to look ahead. Not to look to what was behind you but to where you were going next. The Lord pointed out to me that that is what He wanted us to do, to look ahead to where we are going not behind to where we have been.
But this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus Philippians 3:13
Puppy story
I had just watched my ram diving under the rabbit hutch and sorting around in the bunny pebbles looking for dropped grain. I noted that it was very disturbing to me that he does that because it's gross and it could make him sick ,and it's gross! When my puppy Hunter went under the rabbit pen and was walking around getting his feet all dirty and looking for dropped grain too. “ Seeing the ram do that bothers you, but seeing the dog do it doesn't” the Lord noted to me at once “ Why do you think that is?” He asked “ Well I suppose because you expect it from a dog, it's just what dogs do. They eat yucky things. a sheep is a clean animal. I feel it should know better.” the Lord explained that in the same way it bothers me to see someone who is supposed to be saved falling into unclean practices and habits, but those who are of the world are just doing what is expected that they should do. I should not let it bother me as much, that doesn't mean what they are doing is all right, they will ultimately answer for it. That doesn't mean I should hang out with people who behave in inappropriate ways and it certainly doesn't mean I should engage in such behaviors myself, but it does mean that I should leave it up to God to discipline them and to allow such practices have their own reward. All I can do is pray salvation for them and offer a word of direction toward God where I can, that's my responsibility for those who are lost and wading through the rabbit manure of this world.
And receiving in ourselves that recompense of their error which was meet and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient. Romans 1:27 through 32
Goat and dog story
I had put the girls out to graze and they as usual kept running from one no no Zone to another and I kept shouting out the commands they know which mean they are to remove themselves from the area at once or else. "get out of there . "followed by a quick spritz in their direction by the garden hose in order to follow through with the authority to instruct them .My puppy Hunter was getting upset by what I was doing whether by my shouting to let the goats know I was serious or the fact that the whole herd kept running back toward us threatening to burst the gate which is to my dog Hunter very much intimidating, I couldn't tell which ,so I decided to stop giving a verbal warning to the goats who were being very wilfully disobedient, knowing it that what they were doing was bad. I then just started spritzing the hose at them for their bad behavior. The Lord pointed out to me ,that when enough warning has been given and it only serves to distress those who are doing right then punishment is delivered without any further warning offered because those who were doing wrong already know the consequences.
Or if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment.
Hebrews 10:26
Farm Stories
Garden story
In a storm that blew in, one of the taller cosmos blew down in the garden and snapped off at the base, I had hoped The flowers were thick enough stalked and bushy enough that the wind would not bother them, but down it went. The next morning I found it in the garden aisle between the beans, lying on its side and then I noticed it wasn't wilted or anything. I wondered why not. I took a closer look at it, and I saw How the Lord had prepared the plant for its fall, even far ahead of time, it had little roots growing all the way up the stalk ,just budding out, so that it could still survive. I realized this is what he has been training us to do, to send out little roots which are not part of the main root system, not to depend on what appears to be our sustaining source.Depending on the case that may be egg money,that may be goat money , that may be any farm money , or Ebay money.But to send out little roots in preparation of a new way of doing things, depending on the Lord , looking to him for guidance and sustenance.
Farm Story
I was thinking to myself that the bill for the animal feed is an albatross around our neck, maybe it was time to just get out, and the Lord pointed out to me that when it's inconvenient we are willing to cast aside the work he is giving us to do.Just because things are hard doesn't mean that we ought to abandon everything he's told us to do and not do it anymore but unfortunately it's the first thing we do when everything gets tough.
Garden story
A farmer's wife we knew , from a local blue berry farm , had come to visit, by the end of the visit as she had a form of godliness but denied the power thereof ,she denied Gods ability to bring storms, or control when and how we die, we concluded she also was not saved because you deny the entire Bible to deny his power and control over nature, over evil, and our life. I was sorting apples out, the Lord said put some apples in the food dehydrator to dry, I was cutting them up , and every apple I sliced had worms or it was rotten, not fit to dry. Until at last out of a quarter of a bucket I had only four good apples. The Lord said "You see ,you are not looking for righteous people ,but sinners, I'm not looking for righteous people but sinners.We're not supposed to be looking for Christians, we're supposed to be looking for non-believers just as he is.
Goat story Garden story
The Lord showed me a yellow round zucchini squash in the garden that had grown beneath the new stalks of the plant and the leaf stalks had pressed down into it quite hard so that it had grotesquely deformed it. The Lord said ''Pressures of this life can deform you if you allow it, don't be like that squash. " Later that same day we ran out of hay, the feed store closed early before we had money to get it , and I realized it that the more things like this happened, we have to do without, the less I panic , the less I worried ,the less time I was upset with the Lord. Conversely while we grow more relaxed ,comfortable, willing to learn as the Lord has teach,and to wait on Him .While the goats each time they don't have grain and the more often it happens the less time it takes for them to grow impatient and angry so that they drop milk immediately now .Instead of learning from their lack , they just grow more angry and more deformed. It's the same with spiritual goats, they grow mad at God and bitter and stop producing anything worthwhile, because there is no visible reward anyway. Dealing with life's pressures less and less well , until the least little thing throws them over the edge,and deforms them grotesquely as well.
Farm Story
We had been gifted with some not so great hay, yellow and straw like. I was putting the grass hay we've been given in the barn to keep it safe from probable rain when the Lord noted to me that I was filling up the space I had for the good hay with bad. He said "You aren't leaving room for the good.’’ I asked ''Should I stop?'' the Lord answered "Just be aware of what you are doing.’’
It struck me this is what we do in our lives ,we fill our lives up with so many bad things, bad thoughts, possessions ,habits that there is no room for the Lord and the things of the Lord.
No man can serve two masters . Matt 6:24
Farm Story
The Lord told me to chop up four rounds of wood at our house and four rounds at the main house for firewood. Now this is spruce wood and must be chopped with a wedge and a splitting maul which is very hard work. I chopped up the four at our house then waited a while and went to chop the others at the main house. I chopped 1 round then the Lord said to ‘’ chop those little ones ‘’ I picked up the one he indicated and was getting ready to put the wedge in it when the Lord said ‘’ it's the little ones that will trip you up ,it's the little things that you think you can handle all by yourself that look easy that will trip you up and you will stumble and fall over.’’ And I thought of all the hard things that year had brought, all the hard things we’ve had to endure and how it is the little things . I thought, that we need the Lord not just for the big things ,the big moments in life but for the little moments ,the little things, especially the little things and after I realized this I realized the log I was getting ready to chop up was actually small enough to fit in the stove as it was .And so were the other two the Lord pointed out, then I noticed there were five or six more in the pile that needed no chopping and it came to me, that when you let the Lord help you with the little things ,then all of the little things just get easier and easier,so that you don't even have to mess with them and the Lord does it for you . He keeps telling me that he will make this or that easy for us ,now I have an illustration of how he can.
Let him who thinks he stand take heed lest he fall 1st Corinthians 10:12
Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Matthew 11:28
Garden story
The Lord told me to take the wheelbarrow of manure to the pumpkin patch and all the way to its edge. I pushed it over there, though knowing that it was rough terrain and being uncertain that I could get there over the bumps and lumps .When I was almost there the Lord said to me .''I won’t ask you to do something you can't do, if I ask you to do something, I will give you the strength and enable you to do it''. I answered’’ Why didn't you just tell me that ?Why did you make me push the wheelbarrow all the way over here?’’ before I finished asking, I already knew the answer which was ,so with that I would remember the lesson.
Farm Stories
I looked down at my leather work glove , and I saw there was
another hole in it . The Lord said , do you see that ? What doesn't
bend will break , the glove had gotten dry and brittle from having
been used and worn so much in all kinds of weather . When the leather
gets like that , unwilling to bend , it breaks . We must be willing to
bend to the Lord's will , to be used for his work , or else he will
break us for his work , he has to for us to be of a use and value to him .
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench,
till he send forth judgment unto victory. Matthew 12:20
Garden story
I went to water the garden and the Lord told me it was more important to weed than to water . So I set about to weed, I endeavored to uncover the tiny fragile little plants as I weeded and I saw it just as the Lord meant. For it does them little good to be watered when they are being crowded out by the taller, tougher weeds. In the same way our lives are weeded by God ,weeded of those things that aren't of God .Weeded even of acquaintances and family who are ungodly ,for it is only when we are separate that we can grow. If you are out amid the worldly ungodly masses, they will choke out the spiritual growth God intended for you.
Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold Some 60 fold some 30 fold ,he who hath ears let him hear.
Matthew 13 :3
Garden story
I was watering the beans I had planted which hadn't sprouted yet and noting that here at the beach all the soil is sand and the water does not penetrate below the top 1/8 or 1/4 inch of soil. This makes it difficult to get something to sprout. I lamented that I have not spent enough time preparing the soil for the reception of the seed by flooding the ground and being sure it was saturated down deep in the soil as I had learned last year to do. I would soak the ground 4 days before I planted using flood watering. I knew now it would take the seeds longer to germinate. I was regretting this error when the Lord revealed to me that this was his present occupation in my life. He had brought a flood of difficulty in order to prepare me for the seed being planted which would grow into a fruitful vine.
Knowing tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope and hope make us not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us Romans 5:3
Garden story
I was pulling up the last of the carrots for the year I observed that the ones I hadn't weeded were very small, the Lord showed me how they can't grow well when there are weeds around them and when the weeds are removed they grow well. In the same wise there are weeds among us as Christians ,the tares in in the wheat the Bible speaks of. Sometimes God removes these tares ,family members even who are living in sin. So that the wheat, or carrots if you please can grow. I was 7/8 done pulling up the carrots in the carrot row when the Lord told me to leave the rest in the small carrot section. I asked why. He said ''You'll see when you get down there.'' I pulled up one handful of carrots and the carrots were tiny ,not usable even for the animals. The Lord showed me that, in the rapture those that are not ready ,the people that are not yet saved ,will be left behind to grow through the winter of the great tribulation, just as I would leave those carrots behind to grow through the cold months.
Pony story
I was reading a story about someone out watching a wild mustang herd, one of the younger colts was misbehaving badly and the lead mare was edging closer to where he was maligning his younger siblings. At last with one final strike she had had enough and the old matriarch drove the young colt out of the herd ,keeping him at bay with a glaring eye. At once finding himself to be on the outside looking in ,the colt pranced and tried to find his way back into the herd, running to and fro looking for an opening, any opening that did not entail repentance and reacceptance of the herd. Everywhere he turned there was the disapproving herd matriarch forbidding his Re entrance into the herd. Finally he realized there was only one way back from his apparent exile and he made all the appropriate equine platitudes and gestures that indicated his willingness to submit to the authority of the lead mare to alter his behavior and he was allowed back in with a great deal of affection and acceptance. As I read the story of the unrepentant pony I thought of how even in separation from God and his heaven, people do not want to submit, or repent, or do things God's way. They want to keep trying their own way, keep trying to find their own way into His presence, and to heaven. contrary to popular opinion, repentance and the acceptance of God's way of Salvation through Christ and Christ Alone is the one and only way and once that can be believed in ,Salvation lies just on the other side.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
John 10:1-18 KJV
Garden story
I was walking by the garden and saw all the fertilizer that we are putting on it and noted as we move into winter we don't seem to be doing much of anything in the garden just building it up. The Lord reminded me that in this winter of the soul and spirit and this late season of time in the age of the end in this world ,as we race toward the end , that was all we were supposed to be doing ,being built up.
But ye beloved building up yourselves in your most holy faith praying in the Holy ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 20 through 21
Pony story
The Pony had been a little nippy this morning so I looked at a book I have on bad habits horses have and how to break them of them. The book was talking about aggression can come from frustration and impatience. Impatience to get out of the stall, to be fed Etc. One of the remedies they advised was when you are getting ready to feed your horse, make him stand still and quiet for a moment before taking him in to eat. This will make him far more patient ,which in turn could curb his aggression. At once I thought of my own frustration lately, as nothing seemed to really be happening, tourism is flat in the winter so there really is not much help there financially. We haven't had many baby homesteaders approach us in weeks to pick our brains and get a feel for what they want to do in the future. I felt a little lost with not having much going on in our little Ministry. The Lord showed me that I feel like I'm in a holding pattern, because I am. I am like that frustrated nippy little pony and everything is flat and still while I stand and wait for hay and learn patience as well. Just as He already has told me before, the day to day living is the hardest part of the Christian walk and with homesteading as well.
Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 1st Timothy 6:11
Dove story
My parent doves had not been feeding their baby very well ,as of a week ago yesterday. I looked again they still were not feeding him well, only a little .The Lord said ‘’Why don't you just feed the baby doves from the beginning?’’ I answered because the parents are taking care of them, they don't need me. The Lord answered ‘’Exactly’’ and I knew what he meant because until we lost our mother and for a time the rest of our family as they withdrew all their support the Lord kept giving me the scripture in Psalms that says when my father and mother forsake me ,then the Lord will pluck me up. The Lord can't support us while we are looking for the support of others ,being supported by others . He has to wait until they aren't doing that to pluck us up ,otherwise we would not notice His support of us ,for our family being there. Today the baby dove died. I said’’ Lord ,surely this isn't a sign of what's going to happen to us .’’and the Lord answered ‘’I know when to pluck you up .’’ Because I had waited too long to take care of the baby dove, being unsure when to step in, and too distracted to check on it again last night . This was also a lesson not to be so distracted with outside influences ,even with family stuff that I don't take care of what the Lord has entrusted to me in His ministry and these animals.
Pony and puppy story
The Pony was having some trouble being impatient while being asked to stand still, he would start to paw the ground, if you were leading him he wouldn't stand, if he was waiting on grain then he would be even more impatient. The Lord told me, “ What is he having the hardest time doing?” and I answered it once, “ Waiting. Standing still.” and He said to me “ Then work on that.” So then before going to work on it I went to take out our older dog to go potty and I told the young dog “ Wait.” as I was going to leave him in the house. I noted that waiting for the young pup was hard too, in fact the hardest thing to ask of him to wait. So I took the old dog out and immediately I felt impatient for her to get done, as she wanted to take time to sniff around. I realized waiting is the hardest thing for me to do as well!
Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength Isaiah 40:31
Pig story
We have learned in keeping pigs that they are not like any other animal we ever kept. They are destructive like a ram but they can't be trained to come to be led anywhere they don't come to please you as a dog does. They are headstrong like a goat but can't be brought into submission. They are brutish and as one man visiting the farm put it to his kid “ Pigs are selfish that's why they say, don't be a pig, pigs are selfish and only think of themselves.” In training most animals there are two ways to train them, with positive reinforcement and with negative reinforcement Do this or there is a consequence. Don't do this or you are in trouble. And then there is ,do this and you may be rewarded. Don't do this and there will be no reward. Which doesn't always work in every situation. Pigs, especially older teenage boys do not respond to do this or, commands they only respond to do this and ,commands. We have trained our pigs to leave the barn upon command. It is the only thing that we have trained them to do. Anything you're going to train a pig to do must be taught in the first 6 months of life for sheer size if not stubbornness. That was all we train them to do and when our obedient little boy turned into a teenager with a stubborn streak do this ors were out. It had to be do this ,and, i.e. do this and there will be a reward. To get him to leave the barn he had to be paid, like a mobster, a scrap of food tossed out the door to accompany the go out command and his training was intact. I was talking to the Lord about this and how it seemed that this is how the world responds as well. As they seek to legislate morality and find they fail at it miserably, we as Christians know the heart of man must change before his behavior can.The do this or, isn't working for people right now. And the Lord explained to me that the or; which is negative reinforcement and legislated morality is what the Bible refers to as the law and He explained to me that the and, positive reinforcement ,and the rewards system is Grace and that the one, the or is not complete without the and. Just as it is difficult to train a dog on negative or positive reinforcement alone they both must work together. The or, biblically is to follow the law which no man can do or you die with eternal death and hell. While biblically the ,and is to receive Heaven by communion with God through Jesus. He told me that a balance between them was how it all worked. Man was given the law written on his heart ,knowing he could not keep it. Because he could not keep the law and was a sinner destined for hell. Then in due time Jesus Christ came to save Sinners and give them the benefit of sonship under God. This or ;and the and, at its root is the gospel message to the world but because the gospel has been rejected, and God has been rejected right now the or is broken No One Believes in hell ,we are surprised if they believe in heaven. So that everyone does what they think is right and so the world lies in chaos.
But the good news is that salvation lies at all of our fingertips and God would much rather dispense reward than punishment. The good news is that He loves each and every one of us and desires that none should perish. But that we should all come to the knowledge of the truth, won't you come today? Won't you confess your need today, and enjoy the benefit of a restored relationship with the one who loves you, who created you, who knows the very number of the hairs of your head, who died for you in your place to take your punishment upon Himself. Keeping you from the or, to preserve you for the and, accept His offer today ,come to Him and confess you are a sinner ,you've broken his laws, you deserve hell but He's offering you Heaven, won't you come?
Wood story
I was carrying a big load of firewood into the house, too big and I was carrying it up the porch steps . When I got to the top step I realized I just couldn't take one more step. I put the load of wood down and took the top three pieces and put them in the house and as I came back for the rest the Lord showed me how that is exactly what we should do when life's burdens become too much for us. stop, put the load down, He will carry it for us.
Come unto me all ye that labor and our heavy laden and I will give you rest. take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls. for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Duck story
I was passing through to the back of the goats pasture and watching the ducks, which have their little pen in the corner of it. They were all lounging around and happy. The Lord says “Let the dogs out in the pasture.’’ The dogs had never been in the goats pasture but as I had finished fencing it off from the woods to protect from predators I wasn't nervous to let them out. So I let them into the pasture and off they ran all excited and straight over by the duck pen. The Ducks, which one would have thought would have been alarmed at the presence of the dogs instead did not even rise to their feet. The muscovies were laying down and relaxing, peaceful, some standing on one foot in the grass. They didn't even bother to put their other foot down in case they needed a quick escape ,even the Indian runner ducks and pekin which are naturally nervous didn't budge. The Lord said “ Do you see that? They know there is a hedge built around them that nothing can hurt them through that fence.In the same way I have built a fence around you and once you realize it is there you won't fear anything or anyone that can harm you." The dogs went and started digging at a molehill near the runner duck pen. The runner ducks shied away, suddenly afraid ,maybe the dogs could get in. After a second they went back to preening ,realizing that they were still safe. We too sometimes forget that the Lord has placed a hedge of protection around us that nothing can pass through without His permission that it should. We too grow afraid. I remembered all the trials we had been through and all those who had threatened to destroy us and take everything we had. I remembered how the Lord had brought their threats to nothing and protected us from them by building a fence around us that nothing could get through beyond His permission. I suddenly felt as grateful, as safe, relaxed and peaceful as the resting waterfowl there in their little pen.
Bear story
Keep the bear fed
This season the bears here locally are fed up on the good things God has given them to eat unlike in lean years .This year, blackberries, huckleberries, and cranberries, berries of all kinds are abundant and the bears have no need to venture into where I am waiting for them to shoot them when they come so making it impossible to hunt them as I normally would waiting upon game trails they usually frequent. In the same way when we are fed up on good things from God are safe from trespass, sin, and death . As long as we keep our spirit fed up on the good spiritual things of God it will have no need to go searching for the bad things that are not of God that are sinful.
Wool story
We had just gotten a load of fiber in the mail which we had traded for and being anxious to try something new I straight away finished up what I had been spinning and put the new fiber on the spinning wheel. It was Icelandic sheep and unlike any of the other Sheep wool I had spun before. I noted that while a lot of sheep wool and even alpaca and llama is similar and has generalities, most of them I find myself having to learn all over again how to spin in order to use it. Some must be spun quickly while others must be spun painstakingly slow. The Icelandic wool I was spinning was slick and hair like and slipped easily out from between my fingers. Care had to be taken when spinning it. But at once it was spinning into the most beautiful yarn I had ever made. I was noting it how odd that each fiber had to be handled completely differently and the Lord showed me it once how He deals with each one of us as humans ,as His sheep differently. Your trial won't be my trial, neither will the way He disciplines or teaches you be the same as He does me. I remember growing up watching Mom parented me and my older sister and watching her parent the younger two, her parenting style was completely different with us kids. She was trying to speak to each of us in our own language. My younger siblings were worked with financially with correction or reward. Because that was their currency. My older sister and I were dealt with more on an emotional level and a spiritual level because that was our currency. In the same way the Lord deals with us all on a different level, not unequally only different. With the same dedication to detail, with the same effort extended to see to it that we come out beautiful, just like spinning wool.
Pony story
I was observing the deep trenches and holes the neighbors had left open while connecting the septic system and that after this morning I was going to fill them in ,and the Lord noted to me I have my own holes to fill in in the area which was meant to be where the future Pony pen was. And the Lord noted to me ,didn't I think I should do that before worrying about their holes.
And why behold ye the moat that is in my brother's eye but consider it's not the beam that is in thine own eye, or how is it they'll say to that brother let me pull out the moat out of thine eye and behold a beam is in my own eye. thou hypocrite First cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then Thou shalt See Clearly to cast the moat out of thy brother's eye Matthew 7: 3-5
Pig story
Every morning a few hours after feeding I take a bucket and my cleaning tools into the pig house and I clean it out in there. I have two different buckets ,one is taller than the other and today the Lord told me to take the tall bucket. That I was going to need it. So I took the tall bucket and came to the pens and saw that the pig Pearls meal from yesterday, fava beans, which she did not like were still there and her hay was all covered in cantaloupe juice, so for certain I did need the tall bucket. I was cleaning and realized that while the mess from her side of the house will fit in the bucket,the mess from the boar's side of the house will not fit, even with smashing it down. “ Lord” I complained “ you told me I needed the tall bucket, why didn't you tell me I needed both buckets?” “ Because you wouldn't have believed me anyway and I don't tell people things like that when they aren't going to believe me.” At once I felt sorry having known I would not have believed Him, having forgotten that Pearl hadn't liked her 2.5 gallons of fava beans and having forgotten the cantaloupe juice was messy and I determined to listen better next time and be willing to believe Him when He spoke.
Light is sown for the righteous so Psalms 97:11
Jesus said unto him, if thou can't believe all things are possible to him that believeth. and straight away the father of the child cried out and said with tears, Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:23 through 24
Farm Stories
The other day , I was thinking , as I
Have been thinking, the farm chores
Were taking me too long , and I was spending
Too much time on it . And the Lord said ,
Does it matter how much time it takes if I
Told you to do it ? Then I realized , that it doesn’t
Matter how long it takes ,( that we have to stay here
On earth doing the Lord’s work if he told us to
Do it ) occupy til I come ,
Garden story
I was weeding the romaine lettuce we are trying to grow for the first time this year .We can't grow iceberg here, but we can grow romaine lettuce, hopefully. We've decided it is an okay replacement for our beloved Iceberg and certainly better for you . I did not want to get my hands dirty before dinner so I was using the tiny hoe my sister bought me for my last birthday from the dollar store. I was making precision strikes on the various weeds including aggressive smartweed which a grown up all throughout the garden, when the Lord told me.''That kind of surgical precision is what I am doing on the weeds in your life, it may seem painful and like I'm cutting down to the bone, but I am cutting carefully and only where it is needed,I'm only taking out the weeds ,the unnecessary and unprofitable parts of your life. "
Chicken story
It was raining very hard and I was carrying an umbrella when we went to put the chickens away for the night. My sister Latresha told me I had forgotten the two month old chicks hiding in the plastic tunnel in the yard ,so I went back and drove them out of there. I took pity on them and put my umbrella over the top of them ,thinking to walk them to the hen house with it. But once they had the umbrella over them they stopped moving forward and just stood there content to be out of the rain since they couldn't feel it and saw no benefit of going in. The Lord told me to take the umbrella off of them “ They won't go in if you are sheltering them” In the same wise if we never encounter any storms in our own lives, never felt the rain, we would see no necessity to venture forward ,but being content we would remain as we are ,unchanged in our lives, our lifestyles. We would never grow in the Lord, never move forward and by the same token not longing for heaven and the things we have waiting for us there. Because we've been made too comfortable here. So that God is made to try our faith in order to get us into the correct position.
Count it all joy when you fall into diverse trials , knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience, but let patience have her perfect work that you may be perfect and entire wanting nothing
James 1:2-3
Pony story
This morning when I brought the pony out of his stall and let him into his pen I noted his one eye was swollen and warm and running tears. I tried to look for debris in it but he wouldn't allow me to. I left him until my sister could help me flush the eye and inspect it. As I went on with morning chores I thought pessimistically that he probably had an eye infection and would lose his sight in that eye and at once I thought ,well perhaps if he did then he would be a blind painting pony and his talent would be even greater then it if it was so. An optimistic pessimist I decided to call myself, trying to see the best in a circumstance even while following it to its worst possible end. It occurred to me that even following an idea to its worst conclusion there can always be good gleaned from it even if it is only in the knowledge that if the very worst should come, then we will not encounter it alone. The Lord will be there with us and I understood in that moment the scripture where David spoke of going to the utter most parts of the earth Heaven and Hell and finding God was still there even so and the blessing that is in that.
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.Psalm 139:8
Farm Stories
During a time when people in this country were experiencing fear
and anxiety , and people in our own community were included in this
number , We put up a sign out in the front lawn that said Trust in God .
To remind people of their need for the Lord and the fact that he is
There for them , that they can trust him they don't need to be fearful.
When the fearful time began to wane , we decided to leave the sign up but we
Moved it back to hang it on the cross we have on the front lawn which we left up years
ago after we put it up for Easter . So it ended up hanging too low
On the cross because that's where the nail was . And this has led to it becoming
a maintenance job for me here on our little farm . I go and stomp down the grass
And weeds and try to lift it up higher from time to time , the sign says trust in God
So every time I am down there maintaining it , the Lord will say to me "Do you trust me ?
You need to trust me . " This has become our thing , he and I . So one day I went down
and I noticed the grass and weeds are right back up obscuring the sign again .
And I said to myself , why don't I just hang it around the neck of the cross ?
So after the adjustments , I looked at it happily m it was so much better .
Then the Lord said to me "That's what I want you to do , get your trust in me out
Of the weeds . You need to trust me. With our country in the brink if recession
Things are getting stressful . I need the Lord , and I need to trust him every day !
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4 :19
Poop stories
I was finishing cleaning up in the pens , and going to take up
the buckets of fertilizer ie manure , to one of the plants in the
yard , and the Lord said put them on the roses in front
of the house , I want to show you something.
And he reminded me again on my way up of where he
wanted me to put it . When I got there , I was going to
put it on the first rose I came to and then just go down the line.
And the Lord said , no , put it on the ones that are struggling
and weak , and unhealthy . And I did as he said. And he
spoke again ... Those are the ones who need it the most
and I understood he fertilizes us who are struggling and
weak and need it the most , and sometimes the way he
does that is by bringing what seems to be a bad thing into
our life , but turns out to be the best thing.