Neighbor Wars

One of our biggest dreams as a young couple is owning our own Farm. The peaceful bliss of neighing horses, bellowing cows and sweet chirps of the birds. The plan was to raise our children to respect nature, honor hard work and appreciate the bountiful blessings it brings. The road has been hard, bumpy with lots of curves, mountains and detours but we finally made it come true. Our own little piece of farm paradise.

Everything was going so well untill... along came that one neighbor that is just a bitter soul. Don't get me wrong we love most of our neighbors. Out in the country you look out for each other. Let's face it, you don't just run out to the store if you forgot something for the recipe you are making. Escaped goats, dogs, lumber deliveries...you never know when you will need a helping hand.

But I have found that unhappy, bitter people are always looking for company. One of our neighbors this week has tried to takeaway the farm dream, but goodness prevailed.The bitter sole dug and dug and finally found a legit way to complain about our animals. We were given 2 weeks to reduce the number of animals on our property- not because of the well being of our stock (they are the most pampered animals around), but because they can control everything you do on your property. It is so frustrating when the government can dictate what you do on your own land. I try my best to abide by all rules and regulations but when is it ok to tell someone how many animals they can have on their own farm? The complaint was not about smell, noise, property damage or anything that was of a concern to him personally... It was because we had too many animals. WHAT? REALLY? Why is that even a legit concern? So, I am mad!! Most of our animals are rescues to start with and now that they have finally found a loving home they have to be relocated, again. Why?

The only thing I could think of was to sell most of our stock. Loads of emotions going on, but when you have kids the daily task still have to be done.

Paisley, our youngest, and I were reading her nightly devotional entitled "God will Bring Down Your Giants". Most you are familiar with the Bible story David and Goliath. Little guy brings down the big guy with a sling and a rock, I have heard the story many times as a child, but it's amazing how God Speaks to your heart. As I was reading to Paisley a statement jumped out and spoke to me. "He (God) will fight for you." "Remember whose battle it is." So that night I prayed- "please God, help me fight this battle, help me love my neighbor, remove the hate from my heart. I believe you when you said all things work for good."

God still answers prayers! Loving people from our community have answered our prayers. Not only have we been blessed with a pasture, but 2 pastures to put our stock! The Lord is Good! It's amazing how God can take your problems and turn them into something good. So if you are facing your Giant (problem) remember who is fighting for you. Don't worry, be brave and trust God will fight the giant problem with you.

Our God will fight for us. Nehemiah 4:20

In all these things we are completely victorious through God who showed his love for us. Romans 8:37 NCV

You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power. The power will come from my Spirit, says the Lord of heavens's armies. Zechariah 4:6