There Be Goats!!

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens. (Proverbs 27:23-27)

I noticed the passage above several years ago, before it became popular with survivalist/preparedness gurus. I re-read it today, with a sense of contentedness after we picked up two milk goats.

In January, Laura sold our milk goat so we could get away to attend our 3rd daughter's wedding. After a good deal of prayer, the Lord's gracious providence (through some Christian acquaintances) provided us with two milkers at a price we can afford.

Their kids were just weaned, so they are not used to being milked. My wife will milk them for the first time tonight, and I will be on hand to help, in case they show skittishness at the milk stand.

Training them to the milk stand may take a little time, but we are looking forward to fresh, raw milk and also the homemade cheeses (mozzarella, chevre and feta are my wife's specialties), yogurt and kefir. Those delicacies along with eggs from our chickens could easily supply the three of us with more protein and probiotics than we need.

It should go without saying that we must put our trust in the Lord, not in our possessions and preparations. Nevertheless, our God works through the circumstances and resources that He puts at our disposal.

Therefore, today I breathed a sigh of relief as I reviewed the state of our flocks. Bless the name of Jehovah and His anointed King.