January M&Ms

I don’t know how it is elsewhere, but in America, the change of times is heralded by little candy-covered chocolate discs called M&Ms. The wrapping was barely off the presents and the dinner dishes weren’t even dry before the red and green Holiday M&Ms were whisked off the shelves and replaced by the pink, red, and white Valentine M&Ms—even though Valentine’s Day isn’t until February.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national holiday in January. Dr. King’s legacy as a civil rights activist is honored with speeches and closed schools and offices, but as yet, the M&M folks haven’t come out with MLK M&Ms. Perhaps they’re still trying to choose which colors to make them.

Obviously, there would be no black or white M&Ms, but red, which is the color of brotherhood and love. And, as that great song says, we all Bleed Red, no matter what our skin color. But what are the colors of justice, hope, respect, and dignity? Why, sun-gold, of course.

“He rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, restoring dignity and respect to their lives - a place in the sun!” –1 SAMUEL 2:8

No Worries

In the calm after the storm, the moos seemed none the worse for wear. In fact, Bubbles, Annabelle, Dottie, and Daisy Mae appeared quite comfortable as they lounged in their breakfast, chewing their cud. Although the snowstorm has made life tougher for livestock and wildlife (and people whose cats have cabin fever and who have to plow their own roads), the fields and trees will be that much better for the moisture this spring.

“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.” –PSALM 96:12

Always It

Today’s blizzard and below-zero wind chills were in stark contrast to yesterday’s spring-like thaw of 47°. I have no idea how much snow came down, as there are drifts one to two feet deep right next to bare, icy ground. We fed hay to the cows because the pasture was pretty much under ice.

Instead of their morning nap, the horses played a long, lively game of winter tag. Sugar is faster and lighter on her feet than Solomon, so he never catches her. He’s always It!

“Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”                    –ISAIAH 51:11

Uncommon Cows and Cats

Everyone knows that Wyoming, the Cowboy State, has more cows than people. Some Wyoming cows are dairy but most are beef. Many Wyoming cows aren’t actually cows at all, but cow elk, like these beauties that Zach and his girlfriend, Anna, saw two days ago in an extremely remote area called the Needles. 

At one point in their trek, Zach smelled a dead elk. They’d seen fresh mountain lion tracks in the snow, so he knew better than to follow his nose to investigate the scene of the crime. I’m no elk expert, but I’d guess that the presence of lions probably explains why these cows were hanging out above treeline, where even lions can’t hide!

“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” –PSALM 34:10

Vaca!

The other day, I was showing my son Zach a picture of one of our heifers. “Isn’t she beautiful?” I said.

“As beautiful as a cow can be,” he replied wryly.

I was incredulous. Cows are such lovely creatures.

A friend, Blanca, once told me that in her native Spanish language, vaca (which means cow in English) can be used derisively towards or about a woman who doesn’t meet the speaker’s idea of beauty.

I was incredulous. Cows are such lovely creatures. If someone called me vaca, I’d take it as a compliment.

Take another look at Annabelle, for instance. Isn’t she just a vision of loveliness?

“Make up for the bad times with some good times…. Let Your servants see what You’re best at— the ways You rule and bless Your children. And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us.” –PSALM 90:16-17

Mama Mia!

This is Dottie, the calviest-looking heifer. We’re hoping she doesn’t have a litter! Multiple births are relatively rare in beef cattle, so it may be that Dottie, like many pregnant women, has given in to her cravings and eaten above and beyond her recommended daily caloric intake. Only time will tell if we're merely looking at body fat or Lottie and Spottie.

A Midwinter Day's Dream

The relatively warm (20° when the photo was taken) afternoon inspired Gracie to take a nap. With her head cradled on a cow patty, she looked downright comfortable! Gracie must have been dreaming because her ears were twitching and swiveling, and when I inadvertently woke her up, she sat up and looked around her as if to say, “Where am I? Who are you?”

I wonder what a weanling heifer dreams about.

“God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” –EPHESIANS 3:20