"All things work together for GOOD"

Wow, it's been a few days since I've been able to sit and jot down more random thoughts. We've been pretty busy these past few days. I've got some good news to share and then top it off with an AMEN.

So as you know.....we are into the whole country fair thing. This weekend there was a nice local one, that actually is the oldest in the US (or so says the signs). Anyway, the kids entered their chickens and some arts and crafts. They also had an educational poster exhibit contest where the kids could enter an educational display that would be shown in the designated livestock barn(s).

I thought this would be a great thing to do because I really felt like we slacked in any type of homeschooling this summer. I know summer is summer.....but I thought I might try to do a couple days of schooling a week just to keep up a little learning pace, rather than needing a jumpstart this fall. Even with great intentions....we never opened a textbook. So I was excited that this would ease us back into it all.

At first, this idea was met with great resistance with Little Miss N.....hence why I wanted to keep the wheels somewhat spinning on the homeschooling. I explained how she might win a ribbon and show all the other 6 year olds how smart she was with her vast knowledge of chickens.....being competitive like her mama (ahem, in a healthy way for the most part).....N anxiously agreed.

She decided to do her poster on Frizzle chickens. I thought it came out pretty cute.....we did a few lift-the-flap question/answers and printed out photos of Frizzles that she placed randomly on the board. I wasn't sure if she went overboard with the craft feathers, but apparently not as we found out she won FIRST place! The prize was $100!!!! She was most excited about the blue ribbon status....until her brother told her about the prize amount (which I wanted to stuff a sock in his mouth when he blurted *that* out). Having no conception on how much $100 actually is, her eyes grew as big as saucers and she shrieked about how she could by the Lil Webkinz stuffed animal that she has been wanting "all her entire life". *sigh*

And although inside I was giggling with excitement myself about her winning and doing the MC Hammer "Can't touch this" dance (am I showing my age???).....I composed myself and explained to her that A: entering that contest wasn't supposed to be about winning and the money, it was supposed to be a nice learning experience.....and B: it was a lesson about how hard work pays off. Then I reminded her that she has been wanting to add to our herd of dairy goats, and now she might be able to buy a new baby goat with her winnings if she wanted to.

She thought about it and then calculated that she might be able to get both the new baby goat and that toy. Gotta give her credit....she was looking on how to capitalize and get the best return her winnings.

So even before her winning check cleared, we decided to look around and see who had what in the goat biz. We have always been looking around, but we have been super cautious about what we bring home. If you haven't read our Job story here (Job 1:21) and then here (Job 42:10) .....please do. It will make the following information make alot more sense. OK......I'll wait.

All set? Great! So.....we found an ad on Craigslist and decided to call on it. We spoke to a very nice woman and decided that we'd like to take a peek at what she had. Josh jotted down her address and get this....plugged it into the GPS that I bought him for his birthday. Knowing we weren't going to end up in East JaPeePee traveling through the boonies because Heaven forbid he'd ever stop for directions was a blessing in itself. It already felt like it was going to be a great day!

So When we pulled in their yard, I will be honest and thought that this might not have been a good idea as the place was a little run down. And by run down, I mean multiple cars on blocks, a barn with half the roof missing and piles of debris scattered randomly on the property.

And I hope I am not sounding like a total snot.....I just have my reservations about getting any animal from any farm especially if there is a risk of disease from neglected conditions. We've just had our share of "the goat version of chicken pox" and other contagious diseases that require us to visit the vet costing us more than the goat itself. So I am trying not to judge based on first impressions. Believe me, we have a pile of fencing, tires, dirtbike frames and a broken canopy tent in the corner of our yard that screams hillbilly hick. :)

So the woman came out and was very nice. You know when you get a good vibe from someone? She just had a honest and humble look in her eye. She explained that they were just looking to get out of the responsibility of the goats, she was overwhelmed with life. She was a single mom, raising her children on her own for the past 28 years. One of her daughters lived with her with her own children. Their home appeared to need some serious repair itself. It was obvious that the sale of the goats would relieve them of taking care of one less thing.....as well as help with their finances.

When she went in to get her daughter.....I felt a little convicted and the need to ask God for forgiveness for my first impression opinion. Lord knows *I* was run down in dire need of repair at many times in my life and I thank God that He didn't go by first impressions and run the other way!

At that time, it became apparent to me that God has this orchestrated and I was to follow His lead.

They took us around back of the barn and saw this small herd of adorable little goats. They were very sweet, friendly and appeared to be healthy. The daughter came around to join us and had all the health records/vaccinations up to date and very organized in a folder.....which was reassuring.

Josh and I decided to go off and discuss what we thought about it all, we talked it over....said a little prayer and went back to talk to the woman. We told her that we were interested in two of the doelings and one mama.....and asked what she would like for them.

Guess what she came up with........

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Yup, $200!

Now normally we are not in the position to be spending $200 on farm animals. But we are looking at this as an investment for the future (as they are all females...breeding).....


Now here is another wild thing to add to this:

Yesterday morning......and actually the reason we first were on Craigslist, we listed E's IKEA loft bed and wardrobe on Craigslist because he is outgrowing it. So I took a few photos and whipped up an ad. Not even ten minutes after I posted it, I received an email from someone who has been searching for this particular set since it has been discontinued last year. We sold it last night for.................$200.

Praise God and this blessed $200 that seems to be present in our lives lately......I believe it really helped out that woman and her family and we have new additions to our home.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according to His purpose. " ~Romans 8:28

Just wanted to share with you.......how great is our God!?!?!? And also one last shout out to how proud we are of our little girl....hard work does pay off!!!

OK, I hope you are having a great start to your week......I am off to check on our little ones. :)

Peace and love~
*~Michelle~*