Struggles

Life is so full of struggles; there always seems to be a time of confusion, heartache, and the intense desire to know whether God is really in control. Why is life so full of struggle? Why is it so hard to trust God? I often wrestle with these questions.
   As a Duel Credit student, a farm and 4-H girl, and a child of God, life has been fairly stressful as of late, and several times I have to stop and reset my priorities straight. Trusting in God should be the easiest thing for Christians, however it seems to be one of the hardest. The Bible says that if we put all our trust in God, He will make our paths straight, He will guide us in the way we should go, and He will help us through the hardships and trials we face. Yet why do we find it so hard to turn to God, and simply say, "I put my faith in You; You are God over all, and are bigger than this problem,"?
    We're human. We face doubt, fear, and confusion as a part of our every-day lives: but God will never give up or leave us in the cold. As for me, today I resolve to trust God-no matter the cost, no matter how hard it may be, no matter the choices I will have to face. God is in control of my life-He's bigger than all of my problems and yours combined, and the best part is, He has a plan. A plan for our lives that is so much better than we could ever dream of.
   If you face these same questions, please know that God is waiting for you to put your faith in Him, to trust Him, so that He can bring you the peace and understanding you are searching for.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths."
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
 Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:9
"But it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him."
Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

  May the Lord be with you, and may you find His peace.
-Simply Jen

Moments on the Milkstand

 

This is a picture of Genesis as a baby, always a Goat Mama's little girl.

Two nights ago I was milking Lil Genesis, as last week she started producing colostrum. I'm not sure how many little babies she's going to have, but I'm thinking only one or two. Anyways, back to two nights ago.
  Mom and I had been talking about palpating, and how on the goat's right side you should be able to feel the babies. On Willow I haven't felt anything yet, but I believe she has a good handful in there. For Genesis, something special happened.
  I placed my hands under her belly, close to her udder, gently pressing my hands into her-then I felt it. A sweet baby goatie inside, giving gentle kicks! It was one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced, and I felt God there with me, watching over me and my little babies.
   Some of the sweetest moments can happen on your milkstand, like feeling babies kick, enjoying a sweet breeze while singing to your doe, or simply enjoying the peaceful sensation of milking, of being near your sweet baby girls, of relaxing.
What are some sweet moments, on the milkstand or in the stall, that you've experienced?
-Simply Jen

Spring Break!

Yesterday we took a break from the craziness of life, our schoolwork, and went on a spring break!! In the early morning we spent our time hiking through the Sweet Leaf Trail, stopping to climb the river beds and hollers, walk over swinging bridges, and create new memories as a crazy-loving family.

   Soon after our hike was over, we drove over to the Antique Mall in town, perusing the sweet treasures, and purchasing a few of our own. We laughed at silly little oddities FarmMama remembered from when she was small and from her childhood, and looking lovingly at Depression Glass, Blue Willow dishes, and delicate Jewel Tea that brought memories of our grandparents and their favorite collections to mind. With Farmboy examining the fishing, hunting, and fire-arm departments, Simply N'rae checking out exquisite art and Chinese brush sets, FarmMama and I enjoyed the wooden bowls, delicate dishes, and silly memories that each collection brought.
   A swift trip to Horse and Rider to drool over the stunning saddles, halters, bridles, reins, grooming accessories, and so many boots fed our country side of life. I can't wait to go back and purchase some gorgeous Justin Gypsy boots I fell in love with!!

   A library trip for studying and whatnot came next, after Angus burgers from McDonald's, of course, was a nice quiet time after a busy morning.

   Muay Thai left us tired but content with a hearty work-out, as we prepare for a Sparring Event a week from Saturday. Hopefully, we'll all be ready and will do our best, being Organized like a team, and Fighting like a family.
   All in all, that concludes our day away from home, leaving us munching home-made pizza and coka-cola, watching a movie we borrowed from the library.
  A wonderful day, leaving us with many fond memories, and a desire to create some more.
  What all did you do with your spring break?

 -Simply Jen
P.S. I will post more of the pictures later I haven't had time to upload them yet.

Verse for Today

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose."
  Romans 8:28

Monday Meaderings

As I was walking through my sweet little farm, my critters told me many things:

Typhoon luv-ed his haybale,

 Whiskers luv-ed her leaves,

 Doc Holiday luv-ed his Jenny,

Gumdrop luv-ed her people,

Willow luv-ed her scratches,
 

Mittens luv-ed her fence-posts,

Genesis luv-ed playtime, 

And Levi luv-ed you!

-Simply Jen