And since we've nowhere to go...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Oh, wait! We do have to go out for chores!

Wet, but not forsaken

The year 2010 is off to a slushy start at Providence Farm. It is rather wet, but we are not forsaken. The Hand of Providence holds us safely. In the midst of seemingly difficult times, not really difficult in the light of real suffering across the sphere, we praise Him who is able to keep us from falling. We praise Him this week for dentists and endodontists who are a phone call away, and for pexogenesis. We praise Him for 4x4 tractors, tow ropes and extra vehicles with hitches. We praise Him for unbroken glass and only minor dents. We praise Him for good hay and clean straw when pastures resemble cranberry bogs and rice paddies. We praise Him for 32 out of 35 eggs hatching on the first try. We praise Him for the encouragement and fellowship we enjoy on a weekly basis, but is especially dear in times like these. Praise Him, Praise Him, we can only Praise Him!

Good, better, best...

Sometimes the cheapest isn't the best...actually, often it is not. Going the extra mile in the days of high fuel costs, well...it costs. But, we'd rather go the extra mile when necessary to achieve the best quality or provide the best service. That is why we drive an hour to get feeds that are certified organic and soy-free, because it isn't available locally. And also why we are willing to go out of our way (or stop along our way) to bring our customers what we work so hard to provide...Providentially. Good stewardship isn't just finding the lowest price...it includes finding the best quality we can afford. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to do what we do...to bring quality food from our farm to your table and ours. It is hard work, but it is worth the effort. Organic, Naturally. Good, Providentially!

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!