Thursday, March 08, 2007

The Animals Feel Spring Coming





The animals have stayed inside a lot as if they were hibernating. We have had a really cold winter. We are glad for the freezing temperatures since we did not get a good freeze last winter and the bugs were horrible last summer. The wind chill is what will really cut through you. So, they have stayed indoors a good part of the time. The sheep are heavy with wool. You would think that would take care of the chill. Even they stayed inside a lot.

Well, today it got up in the high 30's. The animals are out nibbling around in the grass looking for a morsel or two. I need to get the sheep sheared before the 20th of this month. I was hoping that they could have already been done. I have 2 yearlings going to the butcher on the 21st and I have to pay extra if they have their wool, plus I lose that wool. I sent an email to my shearer. I have already called once this year as well to tell them to schedule me.

Our lamb is getting quite a good reputation. I have a waiting list of 2 people and a third one asking about it. That is the good thing about doing this as many years as we have. There is quite a bit of word of mouth advertising. That is the best kind there is.

I think about the animals a lot. So much of what they do is an example to us. I believe there are stories for us to see and watch all around in nature. In Romans 1 we are told: Romans 1:19,20 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: It is all right there for us to see. Sometimes we go into a really cold period. We don't seem to learn much from our Bible. We are not putting our whole heart into it. Then through whatever means God chooses, He turns our hearts and thoughts back to Him. Then we are just like our farm animals. We are out in the pasture looking for morsels. We are in God's Word searching. It may not seem as alive as it does sometimes, because our hearts have grown cold toward our first love. They as we dig for morsels and get back into our relationship with Him, then it opens up and it is just like Spring. Lots of green grass or spiritual food to chew on and digest. Those are the times in my life of the most growth. Have you been in a Winter season in your spiritual life? Start digging for the morsels of truth and counsel He has given us in His Word. Seek His face... Search for it with all your heart. Then relish the Spring as it comes forth.

A friend of ours went out of town this week. We kept their youngest 7 children for a couple of days. We had a good time with them. Their youngest is quite a little singer. She just turned 2, but can sing a lot of songs including some hymns. She does really good with most songs, but if she is trying to sing "Oh Be Careful Little Hands", she sings "Watch your mouth, watch your mouth, what you do!" Last night after they had been gone a bit and my house was as quiet as a tomb, I told my husband, I would sure like to hear a round of "Watch your mouth, watch your mouth, what you do!"

6 comments:

CONNIE W said...

You must have a very big heart to take on the care of seven extra children even for a short time. :)

Kelli said...

It looks like everyone is ready for spring, Marci! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with the children!
Kelli

Tina Leigh said...

I went by a house the other day that had 2 sheep...I thought of you! I love spring too. It gives a sense of hope. Spring brings thoughts of Easter which brings thoughts of my Savior & the hope HE brought.

Emily said...

Thanks for sharing those words of wisdom, Marci. I agree, we can learn so much from God's creation. I know spring is coming because we're finally crawling out of the ice age, and it's going to be in the upper 40's tomorrow. Yahoo!! I know the birds will be delighted as well. Have a blessed weekend!

Anonymous said...

This weather has been so nice! Our animals are enjoying the sunshine and warmer temps as well. Yesterday I deep-cleaned our van and just spent some time outside watching the kids play~~it was such a beautiful day!

~Karen

Anonymous said...

Marci, when I read this whole post, I thought about The Country School Farm in Holmes County - do you know about it? You would be so good at that, and you are all set up! ;-)

blessings & love.