The Branded Mountain Blog Spot

There is always more to the story and I am sure you are wondering how the first 4 parts of this story have anything to do with The Branded Mountain.

Let's back up to the State Fair of West Virginia.

For the past 8 years, David and I had agreed we did not want any children. We had 7 amazing and beautiful nieces and nephews to care for and that was enough for us. We both absolutely love kids, but to be completely candid, the pregnancy journey never appealed to me. Of course the topic of adoption had come up, but David didn't want adopt without trying to have one of our own. Fair enough. No kids. We were perfectly content with our lives.

Anyone that truly knows me, knows that I crave structure and I love having control over my own life. Giving someone else the reins absolutely terrifies…

After the disappointment from Indiana, I was trying my best not to doubt the process. His timing and plan is everything. I just kept my prayers heading up.

This win restored my confidence in the plan and I couldn't quit thanking Him. I felt like we were back in the game. There is no doubt in my mind that God had a hand in that win and we had to keep going and building the boat.

Ok. What next God?

Kentucky State Fair is always our quickest turn around with less than three days. This would be the toughest and most emotional show thus far. Family was the competition and it was stiff.

Arriving in the middle of the night, we slowly set up and unloaded the cattle. Running on adrenaline and a short cat nap, we made it through the "settle in" day.

As we did our best to…

As the first outing quickly approached, my nerves began to spiral out of control. My number one concern was other people's perceptions. The last thing I wanted was to look like a fool.

The word about Man in the Mirror - affectionally known as "Pacer" - had gotten out. Pictures were distributed carefully and with intense calculation as he developed. So many people were waiting to catch a glimpse of this bull. I prayed to God and I gave it all to Him. It was all in His hands. The nerves started to subside and the excitement set in.

He hit the last pre-show weight goal two weeks ahead of schedule. He was finally growing some hair - which all livestock exhibitors know is hard for bulls in the summer months. His appetite was phenomenal and he was the easiest fellow to work with.

He was ready.

The first destination…

I could have chosen not to check the cows that evening. I was sick, weak, and out there in day old pajamas.

It was amazing David had any cell service at all - let alone enough to converse. What were the chances that everyone was so close by and had time to help me?

What could have easily turned into a tragic loss, never took a turn for the worse. God's hand was in it all.

Ok. What next God?

Those throw away words that came out of David's mouth replayed over and over in my head.

I reasoned with myself.

Have you ever witnessed a miracle?

Have you ever experienced an instance where there are no other explanations but for it to be an act of God - an act so brazen that it stops you in your tracks and it affects you forever?

This was an act so undeniable that I could only look to Him and respond, "Ok. What next God."

I was on my own that day and feeling under the weather. Work wasn't possible, but checking the fall calving cows was non-negotiable. I mustered up the strength to get off the couch, travel to the Maysville Farm, and head on out to the pasture field. We were patiently awaiting the arrival of some very important calves. Today was the day for my Ruepert to go into labor.

My Ruepert, who just four years prior was born to a 16 month old heifer. We slept on the…