The rain has finally stopped here at the farm, though for a few days, it felt like we might need a boat just to get across the backyard. The ground was soaked clear through, and every single step we took would squish and sink into the mud. It is a messy time of year, but we are so grateful for the break in the clouds and the warmth that is finally returning.
Thankfully, Joey was able to get fresh wood shavings into the House of Joy and Mercy’s Coop before things got too soggy. Those dry shavings made a world of difference for the chickens, giving them a clean, soft place to tuck in while the storms rolled through. It is the little things, like fresh bedding, that remind us of how much stewardship matters in every season.
Even when the world outside feels a bit chaotic or muddy, there is a quiet peace in knowing the flock is tucked away safely. We spent a lot of time this week just watching the rain and waiting for the sun to peak back through the clouds. Now that it is here, and the weather is reaching eighty degrees, we are ready to embrace the warmth with a fresh fruit smoothie in hand.
A Reflection on the Red, White, and Blue
As we approach this weekend, our hearts have been turning toward the deeper meanings of the colors we see flying on porches all around our neighborhood. Red, white, and blue are more than just colors on a flag; for us, they carry a beautiful spiritual significance that grounds our work here on the farm. We wanted to share these reflections with you as we prepare for Memorial Day.
Red reminds us of the profound sacrifice and the blood that was shed for our freedom. In our faith, it points directly to the blood of Jesus, who gave everything so that we might live. On this farm, we see the color red in our sturdy barn and the combs of our roosters, reminding us daily that true love often requires a willingness to give of oneself for the good of others.
White represents the purity and the hope of the resurrection. It is the color of many of our favorite hens and the fresh eggs we gather each morning. It serves as a gentle reminder that even after the darkest night or the muddiest storm, there is a clean slate and a new beginning waiting for us.
Blue speaks to us of justice and the kingship of our Creator. It is the color of the vast sky over our pastures, a reminder that we are under the care of a King who is both just and merciful. When we look up at that beautiful blue expanse, we feel a sense of quiet trust that everything is in His hands, from the smallest chick to the largest project on our list.
Listening to the Small Still Voice
One of the most important lessons we are learning lately is the value of listening. This past Thursday, the ground was still incredibly soft and muddy from the relentless rain. Mama had planned to keep the House of Joy flock inside their run to keep them clean and prevent them from tearing up the soggy field.
But as she was going about her morning chores, checking the feed and refreshing the water, she heard that small still voice in her heart. It simply said, "They need more room." Even though it didn't seem practical with all the mud, she decided to listen and opened the gate.
Watching them rush out into the field, despite the puddles, brought so much joy to the morning. They didn't mind the mud one bit, and seeing them stretch their wings reminded us that God often knows what we need far better than we do. We have to be willing to set aside our own plans when He nudges us in a different direction.
A New Voice in the Morning Choir
Speaking of voices, we have some very exciting news from the House of Joy. A new rooster has officially found his voice! He is a beautiful white Leghorn, and after much thought, we have decided to name him Ezra.
It is always a special moment when a young rooster crows for the first time. Ezra stretched his neck high this week and answered the calls of Big Red, Blacky, and Road Runner with a loud, proud crow of his own. We couldn't help but smile, even if the neighbors might have preferred a few more minutes of quiet!
Ezra has joined what we like to call our "Rooster Security Team." They spend their mornings calling back and forth across the yard, almost as if they are checking in on one another. We imagine them saying, "Is Mama still outside?" or "Who has eyes on the perimeter?" It is a constant, comforting conversation that lets us know the flock is watching out for us just as much as we watch out for them.
New Life in the Incubator
While the older boys are busy protecting the yard, we have some very tiny lives developing inside the house. We are currently on Day 8 for our latest batch of eggs in the incubator. This group includes the rare Ayam Cemani and our majestic Brahma eggs.
Checking the eggs is such a delicate and sacred process. We use a bright light to "candle" them, looking for the tiny spider-web of veins that signals a life is growing inside. So far, things are looking very promising, and we are holding these little ones in our prayers as they continue to develop over the next two weeks.
We also have a few broody hens who are determined to hatch their own clutches. There is something so inspiring about the patience of a broody hen. She will sit for twenty-one days, barely leaving her nest, purely out of love for chicks she hasn't even met yet. It is a beautiful picture of faith and steady, quiet endurance.
Celebrating a Milestone: Grandpa is 80!
We had a very big reason to celebrate this week as Grandpa came home on Wednesday. Not only did he return to us, but it was also his eightieth birthday! It is hard to believe he has reached such a wonderful milestone, and we are so blessed to have his wisdom and presence back on the farm.
Grandpa has always been a pillar of strength for us, and having him here makes everything feel more complete. There are projects waiting all over the farm, from putting up the deck awning to moving Mimi’s Coop. While we want to get started right away, we are trying to remember to take it one step at a time and let the ground dry out a little more first.
Having him home for a Sunday family visit is always the highlight of our week. We love being able to share the "egg blessings" with our family, sending them home with cartons of fresh brown, white, and green eggs. There is something so fulfilling about feeding the people you love with food you raised with your own two hands.
The New Porch Cooler for Self-Service
We also have a practical update for our local friends and neighbors! We have set up a new porch cooler to make egg pickups even easier. This self-service setup allows you to stop by at your convenience to grab your fresh dozens.
We know how busy life can get, so we wanted to provide a simple way for you to get your farm-fresh eggs without any fuss. The cooler is tucked in a shady spot to keep everything at the perfect temperature. If you would like to reserve a dozen or two, please feel free to reach out to us.
We currently have our eggs available at $3.50 per dozen or $5.00 for an 18-count carton. You can text or call Mama at 513-607-1317 to check availability or to let us know you are heading over. We love seeing our community support small, local agriculture, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you.
One Step at a Time
As we look out over the muddy yard and the long list of "to-do" items, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. There are chicks to move, coops to relocate, and fences to check. But then we remember the lesson of the rain: the sun always comes back, and the work gets done in God's perfect timing.
We are choosing to focus on being present in each moment, whether that is listening to the roosters' morning conversation or enjoying a quiet moment with Milo and Panda Bear. Life on the farm isn't about rushing to the finish line; it is about the steady, daily care and the trust that every step forward is a step in the right direction.
Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting our small, faith-based farm. We hope your weekend is filled with the same sense of peace and gratitude that we feel today. We would love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to reach out and share how your spring is going!
Faithful Flock Farm
www.faithfulflockfarm.com
513-607-1317
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." : Isaiah 40:31
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