What helps me to grow closer to the Lord is the opportunity to work with livestock. Having a herd of cows has helped me to become a stronger Christian.

As I look back over the years there have been times when I thought I ought to give up for various reasons.

Having a God centered goal is important. Here is an example.

My eyes were opened (one example) with what I thought to be six pregnant cows and I ended up with two.

There were some things I wasn’t doing right. I needed to make some adjustments with my management processes that would allow me to have closer to 100% pregnancy rate.

What I discovered is that in order for this to be a successful livestock operation there are management practices I need to apply for the business to function properly.

Following the rules for a successful business is important.

Following the rules for a successful Christian life is important.

This does not mean that things will work out for the business or the Christian life the way we would expect them to.

Life is like that.

In the livestock operation, following good management does not guarantee we will have a successful calf crop.

Following God’s word and Holy Spirit guidance does not mean that life will move along like we expect it to.

Either way, as with the livestock operation or our faith in God, what are the choices?

Even when things fall down around our farm, I still need to follow good management practices with the livestock operation.

Even when life is falling apart, we still need to continue on with our Christian faith.

There are no other good choices.

Prayer for the day:

Heavenly Father I thank you for all that you have given us. The air we breath, Our bodies, which are a miracle. All that we have, good and bad, belongs to you. Help us this day to realize it and turn it all over to you. In Jesus Name we pray.

Amen.