Chicken tractor

I began moving chickens into the tractors to elevate problems.

Some of the hens were being pecked to the point of baldness and I was losing eggs to at least one egg-eater.

After nearly a year things have settled down and we have plans for at least two more tractors.

They house chickens year around and we’d like more hens.

There are still a few drawbacks, one being the song birds.

Despite the low profile of the tractors our ground isn’t level and at times song birds get underneath the side to eat the chicken food and can’t get back out.

This occurred today with the tractor pictured.

Only one hen lives in this tractor currently as her friend is on detention in another tractor for egg eating.

I could tell the hen was upset when I went out to check the water, but I didn’t see why right away.

There was a song bird trapped in the tractor and the hen didn’t like it at all.

I tried a couple things to encourage the bird out, at the same time keeping the hen in.

(We stopped free ranging after having a hawk kill and eat one hen and the neighbors lost two.)

Nothing worked.

I think the hen was as frustrated as I, because she finally retired into the nesting box and I was able to propped the door open.

I walked around the tractor to the side where the little song bird lay with it’s beak open panting, the wire mesh between it’s top beak and bottom beak.

It was a pitiful sight.

Too exhausted to even try to fly out, it lay panting, looking up at me in sheer terror.

Thankfully, the hen remained in the box while it recovered and finally flew out.

I closed the door and told the hen she could come down.

Which she did after peeking out to be sure the song bird was gone.

It wasn’t until many hours later I realized I’d made a mistake.

In my effort to get the hen to the nesting box I’d evidently not latched the door to that part as I should have, because it stood open and the hen was having a dust bath in my flower bed.

I tried tempting her to return, first with popcorn and then with freeze dried worms.

Nope.

She was free and going to remain so.

I decided ignoring her might grant her the time to go back in and eat all the treats I’d left her, so I went to clean the chicken coop.

Not wanting to go too far Incase the hawk turned up.

(It wasn’t that long ago when we saw it perched on a garden post staring at the chickens in a different tractor.)

Her buddy is in a tractor nearby where I put the wheel barrow to clean.

She must have decided to visit her because when I came around with the shovel to open the coop, she flew up from beside the tractor her friend is in and took off leaving not a little noise behind her.

I shook my head.

If the song bird hadn’t gone where he shouldn’t have been, the hen wouldn’t have gotten let out of where she needs to be.

But I can’t explain to the hen what incredible danger she is in every minute she’s outside the chicken tractor.

She thinks she’s free and going to enjoy herself.

Isn’t this all familiar?

Don’t people do the same things?

God gives us His Word, instruction for how to live, warnings of danger, and food for our souls, yet people want to be free, to live as they choose, not realizing that this freedom is actually slavery, pain, and eventually death.

It’s a common failing in mankind, but praise God, no one needs to be a slave to sin and their own flesh.

‭1 John 1:5-10 KJV‬
[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [7] but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Jesus Christ has provided all required for eternal life.

All anyone need do is accept His gift of salvation.

Once saved from sin and death, our flesh may still war against the Spirit, but there’s no longer the blind foolish arrogance which snubs the nose at God’s direction, for those who have accepted His sacrifice understand how precious a gift salvation truly is.

It is far too valuable to allow one’s flesh to rule one’s thoughts and actions, rather the costly price of Jesus’ blood brings one into that desire which leads them into both joy and gratitude not only for the gift, but also for His Word which guides, protects, instructs, and draws one ever closer to their blessed Redeemer.

I’m so thankful for the understanding God has blessed me with and grateful for His precious Word.

Living within God’s instructions is blessing and joy and peace.

Which our hen discovered as well when the Sun began to go down.

With the darkness deepening she realized the security of her tractor was where she wanted to reside after all.

Psalm 91:1 KJV — He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your blessing and protection through Your Word. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for all You have done and are doing. Thank You for helping me understand Your Word and the blessings of walking in Your ways. Lord, I know I have stumbled, I have been shortsighted, I have misunderstood, but I thank You and praise You for Your faithfulness and patience. Please continue to teach me from Your Word. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

For our good

Neither the sheep nor the goat can understand why we have restraints on their behavior.

Whether it be the pen in the barn or the fence in the field, the boundaries we set for them isn’t what they’d prefer.

They cannot comprehend it is all for their good.

The boundaries keep them safe from predators, cuts access to the road, and protects them from over eating the grain.

It’s easy for us to chafe at God’s boundaries, too.

Our God loves us and is a good Father.

He has given us His Word to instruct us.

Giving us boundaries for our lives is God’s protection from harm.

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. Deuteronomy 6:24 KJV

Yet, mankind is rebellious and often our foolishness leads us into pain and suffering where the first thing we do is look at God and ask: “Why did You let this happen?!”.

Ahh, if only we had applied the commandments of the Lord and humbled ourselves before Him.

Praise God, He is merciful and compassionate.

He understands our wayward tendencies far better than we do.

That is why Jesus died and rose again; to make a way for us to be saved.

It’s a wonderful gift, for those who believe on Christ Jesus.

We have eternal salvation, as well as redemption here on Earth, for Jesus gave us His Word to instruct our wayward hearts, that we might know those things which are right and good.

Although, the New Testament is full of practical truths, after the Passover Supper Jesus’s last instructions before He was to be taken into custody are profound.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15 KJV (The whole chapter is excellent.)

Let each of us choose to love the Lord Jesus with all our hearts and walk in His commandments, for God gave them to us,

“for our good always,”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your boundaries, Your instructions, Your commandments. Lord, please help us to remember they are for our good. That You know what is best and following Your laws brings us blessings. Lord, please help us to remember that chosing rebellion is choosing heartache, suffering, and tragedy. Sin separates us from You and only in You do we find love, patience, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and selfcontrol. Lord God, You alone are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. I praise Your holy name, Jesus! Amen.

Suddenly…

I was awakened, again.

It had been happening all night, but this time it wasn’t distant, it was loud and nearby.

It was a tree, falling and the branches hitting our bedroom window.

Last night was the second night in a row of freezing rain.

And the poor trees couldn’t handle the weight.

Power was lost during the night.

My husband didn’t sleep hardly at all due to the sounds of trees falling all around us.

This morning he and our son left to help move trees and branches from the roads.

Ordinarily, my husband wouldn’t have been able to cut down much as we no longer have a chainsaw.

But God…

Our son-in-law had left his in our garage just a few days ago.

So, my husband even has the tools needed to help.

I’m so thankful to the Lord for His provision.

Just yesterday I was saying to someone, “Only God knows what will happen tomorrow and I trust Him to provide for whatever that is.”

And He has.

Although, in floor heating won’t work, we have a propane topped stove, so I can still cook.

We have a propane fireplace, so it’s not too chilly.

The truck has gas in it, so my husband can drive.

We have a generator and plenty of gasoline.

Even the tree falling didn’t break the window.

Truly, we are so very well provided for.

And I know from experience that if something worse had occurred, God would have provided for that as well.

Because He is our provision.

Psalm 55:22 KJV — Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

He provided a way for our souls to be saved and has not neglected our daily needs.

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lamentations 3:22‭-‬24 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/lam.3.22-24.KJV

Psalm 79:9 NKJV — Help us, O God of our salvation, For the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, For Your name’s sake!

The Lord is great and greatly to be praised, for His faithfulness and salvation is everlasting.

Psalm 145:3 NKJV — Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for providing so much for us each and every day. Thank You for walking with us and providing for all our needs. Lord, thank You for keeping us safe from the storm. Lord, may we never allow the things of this life shake our steadfast trust in You and Your salvation. Lord Jesus, You are amazing and we praise Your holy name. Thank You. Amen.

November 18

Today’s prayer:

The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Psalms 11:5 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Lord, You understand what is best for us and You also see the schemes of the enemy. Lord, Your Word teaches us the ways of sin bring death, but Your sacrifice has brought us life everlasting. Thank You! Lord, we want to be obedient children, we want Your favor to rest upon us. Please help us to walk with You in integrity and truth. Please help us to be people who are honorable before You. Lord, please protect us from the evil one. Please place a hedge of protection around us. Guard our hearts and minds. Please show us any areas where we have strayed from Your path. Thank You so much for salvation. Please continue to reach those who have yet to know You. Please protect the innocent. Please provide for the widow and the orphan. Thank You for all Your ways. They are good! I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Over the mask

I was sitting where I was supposed to.

My mask in place.

Awaiting my turn with the nurse.

The other people were equally following the rules.

Some I’d seen before.

A few new faces as well.

Since September, I’ve been regularly seeing the receptionist and nurse.

I feel warmth for them both.

I’d stop and speak to them if we were to meet elsewhere.

(For those who know me you’d expect this.)

Yes, I’ve even hugged them in gratitude.

But not since the virus.

As I looked at the receptionist, I smiled.

She was more than 6ft away, but behind her mask, she was smiling too.

When my turn came, the nurse was also smiling, behind her mask.

After returning to my seat, I picked up my crocheting and began to wait while working.

I also prayed, as I felt led.

Due to the office size, everyone’s conversation is easily audible.

Although, I try to mind my own business, I hadn’t missed a young man who was relating the fact that his wife had developed allergies after the birth of their baby and how compassionate she was to him because of this.

His seat was to my left and I prayed for his wife, his allergies, their marriage, and their baby.

I noticed other people in the office.

Especially a white haired, short-statured lady in front of me.

She seemed rather frail, and my prayers for her included God ministering trust in Him to her.

It seems the elderly are suffering so much these days and it breaks my heart.

Not long before my time was up the young man to my left had reached the anticipated “good to go” from the nurse.

He quietly packed his things, including a shiny laptop which sent reflections of sunlight streaming into my face.

I knew it wasn’t anything, but an accidental happen-stance.

So, I bent my head closer to my work and continued to count stitches.

To my surprise his voice came next.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry if I bothered you with my laptop. I didn’t mean to get sun in your eyes. I hope you don’t mind?”

I looked up and smiled behind my mask.

I shook my head and replied.

“No, not at all. Just one of those things.”

His eyes looked a bit squinty, like he wasn’t sure.

“Well, I’m terribly sorry for bothering you.”

“You didn’t. Really it’s fine. Thank you for apologising, but it’s really fine.”

I was still smiling behind my mask.

Of course the young man had to keep his distance, so I can’t be certain, but he looked less concerned.

Infact, I think he was smiling behind his mask too.

That night I related to my husband my joy at running across a polite young man who cared for others.

Upon reflection of the whole visit, God revealed something.

I’m going to have to learn a new skill.

I’m going to need to read people’s eyes behind their masks.

I never thought time with the public would come to this.

But I know God wants me to remember those are people behind the masks.

People He loves dearly.

Whether I agree with these policies or not, I can continue to love others.

I can continue to stand fast in prayer for my fellow man, my country, and the world.

I can continue to be sure that my mask does not keep in the love that God wants to show to those around me.

So whether someone is hiding behind a cloth mask or a fake representation of themselves, I need to love and pray for them.

And of course there are many, many, many, people who have their protective gear on to protect those they are treating.

They too need prayer.

I’m also praying that God will help me, that my eyes will shine the warmth, love, and compassion that my smile can no longer communicate.

Although I’ve been guilty of saying, “I’m over the mask”, I’m trying to adjust my attitude to thinking about who is behind each mask I see.

And I’m praying for a renewed perspective.

Not to simply wait out the things which are uncomfortable, but instead to find the truths God has for me within it.

After all, nothing is permanent, except Jesus Christ and life with Him.

John 5:24 KJV — Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Shepherd

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6

Anyone who has raised sheep can tell you they “stray” a good deal.

Many a time, as a youth, my frustration over the wandering of the flock would cost me hours of fence repair and regrouping the animals.

When a sheep is wandering outside the protection of the fence, they rarely understand their danger.

Instead it is when the shepherd or caretaker shows up that they seem to suddenly panic over their wandering and will bolt for places unknown.

They can literally run themselves to death or fall and cast themselves which also leads to death, if left in that position.

But did this state of alarm hit them as they wandered through the hole in their protection?

No.

It came when they were face to face with the one who put the protection in place.

The one who actually cares for them and understands all the dangers they do not.

Does this wayward sheep call to the shepherd, or follow them back to their safety?

No.

They bolt.

As fast as their short skinny legs will carry them.

They will blindly flee straight into a dead end and then once at the end will dash madly back and forth, back and forth, all because they left the safety of the fence.

The protection set around a grassy area, supplied with fresh water, and normally cover, all set up for their care.

Do you see yourself in the wayward sheep?

I certainly can see myself.

I can tell you that a good shepherd never ignores the wayward sheep.

Instead they follow and do whatever is necessary to return the sheep to the safety of the fence.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

And He laid down His life for the sheep!

All this knowledge helps me to better understand how I need to handle my walk with the Lord Jesus.

Not to be unaware of the protection He placed in my life through His Holy Word.

To learn not to panic when confronted with an area of my life where I have strayed, but to instead humbly confess and seek the security of the protection and the way back to it by following the Good Shepherd.

To realize I will never completely understand all that goes on, but I can always trust the Good Shepherd.

He really has my best at heart.

As a person who has raised these animals I can tell you, there is only one kind of sheep which does not follow the average behavior.

It’s the one which has been hand-raised.

Whether by illness or some sort of loss, the lamb was raised, not by another sheep, but by the Shepherd alone.

Those are the only ones who will come when they are called.

Will seek the Shepherd when lost.

The ones who will bleat pleadingly when the Shepherd comes into sight.

That’s the kind of sheep I want to be.

He’s still miraculous!

Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
Psalms 47:6 NKJV

This is my heart’s cry this morning.

These past few days of busy activity have been wearing on me.

Which frankly I’ve found concerning since the Craft Fair is tomorrow.

However, I kept praying and turning my “worries” into trust.

Yesterday was rough.

My all day headache turned into a migraine.

I went to bed early only to wake up over and over due to the pain.

Finally, I got up to make a heat pack and eat some peanut butter.

I’ve found that protein has helped at times.

Well…it didn’t.

I ended up throwing up.

As my head was crushing and my stomach knotting my heart was crying out to God.

“How am I to drive tomorrow? What about the Craft Fair?”

My sweet patient husband got me a hot pack and water and found instill had one tablet of migraine medicine in the bottle. (I thought it was empty.)

I woke this morning migraine free!

Infact I’ve eaten and I’m about ready to make the three hour drive.

To top matters off of just how faithful God is He protected me all night.

As I was getting up this morning I found a sewing needle in my bed underneath me.

I’d washed all the bedding yesterday and had made the bed right before going to sleep so where it came from I’ve no idea.

But it didn’t hurt me once.

Not with all the times in and out of bed.

God is so good!

And I am so thankful.

Truly, He is miraculous!