Faith Farm

rainy day ramblings

Surprise! Its raining again.  Ok, maybe the sun shining would be a real surprise.  We have had so much rain-everything is just standing water.  All the rivers are above flood stage and many homes have been damaged or destroyed.  We are located about a mile and 1/2 from the river so we are not in danger of river flooding but things are definately starting to get damaged.  The garden looks highly questionable at this point and the continous rain is starting to have its effects on the animals.  Feed and hay are real issues.  Hay crops are severely damaged or destroyed around here so the law of supply and demand are raising prices terribly.  Last year I was paying $3.50 a bale and the average cost is $10.00 a bale for alfalfa if you can find it.  Looks like it might be an interesting homesteading year.  I am trying to make arrangements for winter hay and feed now before costs increase any more.  We are Blessed to still have an income coming in from my husbands job.  The work has been slow but God has provided for us.  The plans for the new roof are still on schedule and the house should be completed by August.  This has been a priority for DH.  I would be fibbing if I said that the current state of the economy and food/fuel prices didn't have me concerned.  I know that God has made a way for us thus far and we are set up pretty good to provide for the needs of our family.  It just seems to me that we are one foot in the door to a difficult winter in this nation.  With all thats going on in the world and all the damaging floods in our 'breadbasket' states, the cost for food and fuel is most likely to continue to increase.  I feel such compassion for those families who are trying to survive on min. wage jobs.  Here in Oklahoma commuting to work 30+ miles is common place.  So fuel increases have a great affect on an individuals income.  We are fortunate to only have to commute 15 miles one way. 

I went into town on Monday and you could really see the weight of everything on peoples faces.  People looked tired and concerned......some were angry.......mostly just the look of worry was on everyones faces.  Few people smiled or spoke.  It reminded me of a time after a big ice storm we had a couple years back.  Only there hasn't been an 'event'.......only a steady decline and time of hardship.  Many companies are laying off or closing and that many more are concerned about how long they will last.  International companies seem to be holding up better than the local and national ones.  It really makes you wonder how long this "its not a depression" will last.  My gut feeling is..........its going to last a while.  I have felt very strongly in the need to prepare.  I'm not sure how to discuss this feeling and sound like I have little faith.  I know God provides.  I also know that He blesses the work of our hands and I have come to trust that small voice that keeps me from trouble.  I'm not speaking fear--however that seems to be the common reaction when speaking of difficult times ahead.  Is it not wisdom to think of taking care of your family?  I would feel so much worse for not doing these things now when I have the ability than to face hardship in a time of need.  If everything turns around and nothing comes of this.......then what have I lost?  I have only gained.  I am more prepared and can concentrate my efforts into another area of becoming more self-reliant.  There are so many things I would like to do and plan to do in time if it is God's Will.  But for now...preparing for winter is at the top of the list. 

These are my rainy day ramblings------------Blessings>faithfarm