The tea isn't all that is sweet around here...

The Happy Protector and "his" Isabelle

Celebrating October...Gracefully

October brings celebrations at Providence Farm. There is a new forty-year-old on Old Forty, who loves spending time in "the back forty." On Samuel's new reading list will aptly be "Now We Are Six." Yesterday brought a new calf. Phone call to Papa S. on this, his "29th," (minus three decades). And Mama is one step behind Daddy, pushing forty as the platinum pushes aside the blonde, much to her daughter's chagrin...though Mama says she is growing old gracefully. Gracefully. May it be so. May each day be so full of His Grace that the growing old part isn't even noticed. We are one day closer to eternity. That is reason enough to celebrate...Providentially!

Where did September go?

It disappeared while I was looking... Now we are all awhirl with family birthdays, newborn calves, shorn wool, beloved visitors, fellowship and life in general. As we excited ourselves over autumn's arrival, it swiftly began slipping away. But we are still learning. Sleep is a gift. Fellowship is worth the commute. The projects in the barn and on the sewing desk will not go away...they are faithful to remain. And He who began a good work in us is also faithful to complete it....Providentially!

First Fruits

We know that God provides all our needs according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus. Recently, that has really hit home! Rendering to God that which is His always comes first. He is faithful to make the rest fall into place, even when it looks impossible. He knows our needs and meets them before we even ask...and abundantly greater than we can imagine when we do! We are very thankful for His provision for us everyday. And when we give in His name...first fruits, He is faithful to give back in ways we do not expect. It is very humbling. We pray for His guidance as we learn to be good stewards...Providentially!

BEEF...

It's what's for dinner. Providence Farm beef shares are currently available...freshly arrived today.

Farm Math

Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division...percentage, fractions, decimals, etc. These are but a few topics covered in one subject as school resumes at Providence Farm today.

239+235=one angus steer

128+128=one dexter/angus bull calf

139+140=one dexter/angus heifer calf

12+16+14=what Mama prefers to let others eat.

calf+mama cow's milk+fresh grass & room to roam=Rose Veal

Put them all together and what do you get? A few more coolers, definitely. A new freezer, maybe. Expanded autumn menu, assuredly. A line of customers waiting...Providentially.

Breakfast, Boys & Bible

The three Bs...

Brotherly affection. Note that one is pulling toes while the other is kissing them. And Jonathan climbed up there all on his own.

Don't you suppose that all great leaders started out this way? Learning theology at the breakfast table in Daddy's lap (or on his shoulders).

Samuel the prophet, Joshua son of Nun, or Jonathan Edwards?

Yep...they were boys once, too. And may mine not only live up to their names. May they serve Him with even greater fervor.