What Mama has been up to lately

....may surprise those who really know me. I have been learning to navigate my way around on the John Deere. Mainly, how to take half a ton of hay to those incessantly grazing critters who don't have enough grass to keep their four stomachs happy. Those cud-chewing, ornery things get downright unruly when you come into the pasture bearing gifts. I'll be quite pleased when the grass is really growing again and they can get back to their routine of lowing peacefully in the meadows.

I have also been known of late to actually venture outside on poultry harvesting day. I managed to take a photo or two without fainting. I even, believe it or not, have added to my resume...Quality Control. Rinsing the featherless, gutless creatures and tucking their legs so as to fit ever so neatly into the bags, before finding their intermediate resting place in the Arctic region of the barn. I wonder how many folks really know what a chicken looks like before it is mechanically separated into the gobbledygook being breaded and masqueraded as food and sold as a bill of goods in the supermarket or fast food joint-du-jour. And that after a so-called life, never having seen the light of day or grass, or been nurtured by a human being. Hmmm...

Farm living may not be easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult. It is, however, faith building. One can learn a great deal observing the Providence of God around here. Theology, biology, physics, mathematics...the list goes on. Some things we have learned, and continue to learn repeatedly....gratitude, grace, humility, charity. Often, the students can be the teachers and vice versa. But, it is all good....Providentially.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program...

Snowball fights with cousins....

Please forgive the haitus. Things are always busy on a farm. Add to that a number of little people and, well, it grows exponentially. I just discovered where all the unmoderated comments go! So, if you have just finally seen yours, that would be why. I have to subject comments to moderation because this is a fallen world in which we live, and there are some out there that care far less about what others see. "I will set no vile thing before mine eyes..." nor will I allow it on my blog. So, dearest friends, please do not think you are being ignored. We just have to work around the foolishness of the world and pray for redemption.

In the meantime, here is a little of what has been going on around Providence Farm.

Let's go down to the river to pray...

Testing the waters

Follow Me

Walking in Newness of Life

Professing Faith in Christ, Joining the Church Visible

Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!

I have no greater joy than to know my children walk in Truth.

All in a Summer's Day...

What else does one do when the weather reaches record highs in the middle of the hottest summer? Plan a family photo shoot, of course! Our dear friend, Rebecca, sojourned across the river to bless us with her time and talents in the midst of a heat wave. Here is just a small sampling of the afternoon's efforts.

Sweeter than the tea...
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. Psalm 16:6

There always has to be one nut in the crowd...playing with suspenders....BOY.

Isabelle has had enough.

Band of Brothers

Photos Courtesy of Perrin Cottage Studios, Willamsburg, VA

Raising Ebenezer

"For thus far the Lord has helped us." May we continue to give Him glory and praise and thanks for all He gives us...Providentially.

Providence Farm Profundity

Son of My Right Hand (age ten) says with a lack of alacrity, "I run a non-profit organization." He is learning, along with his parents, that farming is hard work...especially organically. There is a reason those things cost more...they cost. Much time, great energy, occasionally blood, plenty of sweat and sometimes tears. It is a faith-building experience to rely upon the Providence of God. It is no small task to do things the way He intended, but ever-so much more rewarding. To know that the food placed before those hungry little souls is edifying physically can be edifying spiritually. It is a matter of good stewardship. We take that very seriously around here. The pay off comes later. We must be patient. We must put our hands to the plow, giving thanks to God for the ability to do so. We must learn our husbandry from The Husbandman. And when we have eaten and are full, we Bless His Name...Providentially.

When Mommy is on the phone....

...one never knows what may ensue. Often chaos. But today, it was a rousing service in the front hall. I am not sure who was The Preacher today. But I heard plenty of singing and this is what I found.

The Pews...complete with Hymnals and Psalters....and looks like a stray bulletin on the floor.
The Pulpit.

I believe I heard The Elders offering The Bread and The Cup. Then, I guess, singing a hymn, they went out! Home Sweet Church. You know, play is practice for life. I like this kind of play.