Who?
He?
No, not Russ.
Although he comes in 2nd...
Him
Dropping out of the work world is an interesting endeavor.
You go from fast-paced mach five with your hair on fire...with heavy burdens...
...to planning your own day.
When I "retired" last December 31st, we began our 1/3 Living.
At that time, I had no idea how close I would grow to Jesus.
I thought I already was living a "Christian" life.
Not so...for I didn't trust Him with my day.
I was still in control.
And Jesus...was in the shadows.
Now, I turn each day over to the Lord.
Some days are full of adventure.
Some quiet and reflective.
But they are His.
100% HIS.
I love where He leads me.
Lately, it's been weekly visits to the Amish communities in Michigan.
Last Saturday, I attended an Amish auction.
It was held at the home of an Amish family,
who were leaving their farm,
who were leaving their farm,
and moving to Kentucky.
More on this Amish auction later...I promise...
I also picked up a truckload of meat scraps,
while in the Amish community,
for our sled dogs.
I've been making the trip to do so about twice a week, for the past few weeks.
Venison, beef, lamb, pork, and sometimes even moose and bear from other sources.
Our dogs appreciate the gesture, and tell us so, with their nightly
Thank You Howl.
23 sled dogs howling their own special tune.
In addition to picking up meat for the sled dogs this past Saturday, I picked up 1/2 a beef.
For us.
It was from our Dexter steer, Sizzler, who was born here almost two years ago.
We loved our cows, but felt we should sell the herd last fall.
It was a blessing, as soon after, I heard the news about my pending retirement.
When we sold our Dexters, one little calf was left out of the deal,
who was still on his Mama, Dixie.
who was still on his Mama, Dixie.
He went with the herd, to be raised by farmers, Carl and Kathy.
We worked out a deal where we would get 1/2 of the meat
once he was old enough to be taken to market.
Saturday, this plan came to fruition,
and I drove home with burger and steaks (and more) from Ebels General Store
with a smile on my face and a grumbling stomach,
knowing some delicious meals were in store for us.
knowing some delicious meals were in store for us.
Meat for the dogs. Meat for us.
I spent Sunday picking up 20 more hens.
Last week it was Buff O's. (20)
This week it is R.I. Reds, and New Hampshire Reds. (20)
All 1 1/2 years of age.
40 chickens!
40 chickens!
Free, I might add.
In fact, the last 50 chickens we have added to our farm since summer, have been free.
Thank you Craigslist. Thank you God!
And then to top off my Sunday,
I stopped, chickens in tow, at my "parallel friend"
Ellen's homestead.
We sat out in the coolness of the November day,
Ellen with coffee in hand,
me with my icy Coke
(always offered upon my arrival),
discussing the upcoming deer season,
seasons of the sled dogs ~ past and future,
future garden seasons,
and the season of our lives...
and what we can expect beyond this lifetime.
Quiet, serene.
Both of us knowing it doesn't get any better than this moment.
I stopped, chickens in tow, at my "parallel friend"
Ellen's homestead.
We sat out in the coolness of the November day,
Ellen with coffee in hand,
me with my icy Coke
(always offered upon my arrival),
discussing the upcoming deer season,
seasons of the sled dogs ~ past and future,
future garden seasons,
and the season of our lives...
and what we can expect beyond this lifetime.
Quiet, serene.
Both of us knowing it doesn't get any better than this moment.
Later in the afternoon, upon driving home, I realized.
I'm no different than my little chicks I adore.
They never leave their mother's side.
They rely on her for everything.
All day, every day.
They don't turn to other animals for comfort.
For they know their true savior.
Just as I know mine.
"Though you have not seen him, you love him.
Though you do not now see him,
you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
obtaining the outcome of your faith,
the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:8-9
Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.
I'm no different than my little chicks I adore.
They never leave their mother's side.
They rely on her for everything.
All day, every day.
They don't turn to other animals for comfort.
For they know their true savior.
Just as I know mine.
"Though you have not seen him, you love him.
Though you do not now see him,
you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
obtaining the outcome of your faith,
the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:8-9
Until tomorrow dear friends, God willing.
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