Category Archives: Farm Diary

Easter 4 C: Recognizing Care

Posted on May 4, 2022 by John

The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter are: First Reading        Acts 9:36–43 Psalm                    Psalm 23 New Testament      Revelation 7:9–17 Gospel                   John 10:22–30 Our psalm and Gospel readings focus on shepherding. Revelation on Christ the Lamb, … Continue reading →

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Easter Lamb Triplets

Posted on April 24, 2022 by John

Easter reminds us that Christ has defeated Death and gives us new life every moment. An essential truth to remember these days of pandemic, war, and uncertainty. Lambs born on Easter add an exclamation mark! And triplet lambs three exclamation … Continue reading →

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Living on God’s Timeline

Posted on April 2, 2022 by John

It’s that time of year on Heatherhope Farm. We eagerly await and methodically make preparations for the arrival of newborn lambs beginning in a couple of weeks. Of course, to mark time, we also anxiously consult our human contrivances. The … Continue reading →

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Epiphany 3 C: The World’s Wordless Whispers

Posted on January 18, 2022 by John

The readings for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany are: Old Testament      Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10 Psalm                    Psalm 19 New Testament     1 Corinthians 12:12–31a Gospel                   Luke 4:14–21 The whole idea of the Epiphany season of the … Continue reading →

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Yes It’s Cold, Windy, and Slippery…But

Posted on January 12, 2022 by John

Daughter lives in Florida, where it’s right now in the 70s. Son lives in California where it’s just about 60. We live in northern Illinois where it bounces between a wind chill of minus 20 and just above freezing. Why … Continue reading →

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Max and Being Home

Posted on December 3, 2021 by John

Being at home is essential to being. We humans aren’t human without it; and dogs aren’t real dogs without a home either. We do well to bear this truth about humanity when we think of the homeless in encampments in … Continue reading →

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“It’s Life!” Happy New Sheep Year!

Posted on November 26, 2021 by John

Do you want a hint about the secret to hopefulness in dismal, pandemic times? Talk to a shepherd or a shepherd’s family looking forward to lambing time. They may anticipate days or even weeks of hard work and sleepless days … Continue reading →

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Emergence of Winter Wheat

Posted on October 9, 2021 by John

Martin Luther was smart enough to remember what we all forget. Every day we forget how great life can be if we live to the potential God has built into us. Sadder still, we forget how much God does to … Continue reading →

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Pentecost 8B: Tucker Carlson, Vaccines, and the Gathering God

Posted on July 13, 2021 by John

The readings for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost are: Old Testament      Jeremiah 23:1–6 Psalm                    Psalm 23 New Testament     Ephesians 2:11–22 Gospel                   Mark 6:30–34, 53–56 Well, the latest, is that Tucker Carlson has told his loyal followers … Continue reading →

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Fresh Blessings of Spring

Posted on May 26, 2021 by John

In the darkest days of the siege of Jerusalem–surrounded by the miseries of starvation and spiritual despair, the author of Lamentations wrote that the Lord’s mercies never end, but they are new every morning. If this witness could see fresh … Continue reading →

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