There's a New Kid in Town

Finally...

Mama...Cocoa...gave birth.

On the last day of April, it happened.

And of course it happened when we were at a nearby town getting our monthly supplies.

What a treat to pull in our long drive and see her peeking out of her small barn/chicken coop, 

with a wobbly newborn by her side.

Her tiny perfect baby (yet unnamed) has a light brown body, 

and looks like she was dipped up past her belly in chocolate!  

Four dark brown legs, 

a dark brown stripe running down her back, 

and around the top of her head.  

She's the softest fur baby I've ever touched.  

Both are doing well.  

And today, with the sun peeking out, they took to "heading out" 

and enjoying some sunshine just outside the door, 

with Mama keeping the curious chickens at bay.  

Photo from last summer...

As I awaited the birth, 

watching Mama bag up and looking so ready to deliver, 

it reminded me of our Lord.

   I had no idea when she would actually be born, 

just as I don't know when Jesus will return.

It is just one more reminder of what a sovereign God we have...

and how good it feels to trust Him for all our needs.  

Thank you Abba, Father, for your goodness...each and every day.

Until next time dear friends, God willing.

Sherry

Let's Go Home

Every morning, when I run the sled dogs with the ATV, I give commands.

Gee.  

(right...)

Haw.

(left...)

On bye...

(aka IGNORE)

(especially when our free-ranging rabbits run in front of the team...)

But my favorite command of all...

is...

Let's go home.

I can't help but get a big smile on my face, thinking about when I will go home.

Home to my Heavenly Father, and see the face of Jesus.

"In my Father's house are many rooms.  

If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?"

John 14:2

Until next time, dear friends, God willing.

Sherry

Are You in The World?

Which is it for you?

What is your path?

Are you in the world?

Or out?

There's no in-between.

1 John 2:15-17 tells us this.

Do not love the world 

or the things in the world. 

If anyone loves the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him. 

For all that is in the world— 

the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—

is not from the Father 

but is from the world. 

And the world is passing away along with its desires, 

but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

 As for us, we have tried very hard to not be "in the world".

We have taken steps over the years to be on the right track.

No TV.

Haven't been to a movie in a decade.  

Make every attempt to steer clear of negative thoughts. 
(Yes, you can make them disappear, 

if you ask in the name of Jesus, 

with humility and grace.)

Do we fail? 

Yes.  Daily.

Hourly.

By the minute.

Sure, sometimes you get lured in to the world and its glitter.

But upon reflection, you will note it is a way to keep you off track...keep you from the prize.

Sadly, some folks may spend their entire lives trying to live up to the world's standards.

Searching, looking, not feeling adequate.  

Like they can't measure up.

And then, more searching.

Sometimes, frantically searching.

With no clear path before you...

  Just know the answer is right under your nose.

Jesus.

JESUS

Don't get sucked into the trap, my friends. 

Especially this holiday season.

Remember...

Less is more.

Handmade is best.

 Just spending time with your loved ones, sharing food, is sufficient.

And most of all, keep Jesus first.

If He hasn't been, start now.  

It isn't too late.

As long as you are on this earth, it isn't too late.

Start now, this Christmas season.

Scale back.

Quietly step back away from the world.

Focus on Jesus.

The light of the world.

Until tomorrow, dear friends.

Sherry

To Him be the Glory

I love finding new sources of Godly inspiration.

Especially when they are such a visual.  

A true feast of delight, 

for eyes and ears.

Such is Ann Voskamp.

You will need to turn off the soothing music I have provided on Playlist, to your right.

Ann is a farmer's wife, 

which makes her a farmer too, 

because we farmers know, 

it takes a family to make it happen.

Her husband, whom she married at age 16, farms 600+ hogs on Ontario land.  

We farm 2...

Ann is busy with homeschooling six children.

And writing an incredible Blog that will take you on a daily journey of grace.

Grab a cup of your favorite soothing drink, and find out more about Ann (without an e).

In addition to my new stop at "Ann's place", 

my daily journey takes me to one of my favorite Blogs, 

written by a kindred spirit,

Terri.

Terri is also a farmer, married to a cheesemaker, in the dairy state of Wisconsin.

She, too, homeschools her dear, sweet children.  

Their family is full and bustling with horses, pigs, goats, cows, chickens...and more.

The children...

Alexis, Cole, Grace and Micah.

And Trent, who has gone to be with the Lord.

The loss of a 12-year old boy, who loved life, is teaching others what it is to gain.

To gain a loving, trusting, all-encompassing relationship with Christ Jesus.

Terri tells us the story, giving Him the glory.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. 

Amen. 

2 Peter 3:18

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo

 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered,

"this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him:

"Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times."

And he broke down and wept.

Mark 14:72

Matthew 26:34

Zip

My trusty dog.

Never ten steps from my side.

She appears to smile and say...she's got my back.

Her 'round-the-clock dedication reminds me of my Heavenly Father.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

What a wonderful gift.

A gift for all, just for the asking.

Until tomorrow, God willing.

9/11/10

As the sun rose on 9/11, I felt sadness about the world beyond our little 40 acres.

However, I quickly remembered...when it's all said and done, there's only one thing you need to know...

you must know Jesus.

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."