Fickle February

February in Texas is a puzzle, even to us natives.  The weather shifts quickly, so we learn to keep a jacket, hat and gloves in the truck!  Just because the thermometer reads 65 degrees at lunchtime is no reason to expect the same conditions at four o’clock.  Over the last two weeks, we have been in the twenties and seventies within the same few days.  The winter has been mild, but that is no reason to think that winter is over.  Spring will come, but in the meantime we watch the weather reports and check the Farmer’s Almanac one more time.

Here in the garden, winter chores continue while daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses bloom.  Kenny Tapp, the artisan who created the Zebulun gate, recently completed the side posts and metal ropes for the gate.  This morning, Jesus and James installed the new posts.  The Zebulun gate is now complete and even more beautiful than before.  Our thanks to Kenny and our wonderful Zebulun partners from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who generously provided the materials for this project!

If you watched the web cast on Sunday, you were blessed by James Vincent’s timely and prophetic message about building the house.  Progress on the potting shed continues on the inside now, and we eagerly await its completion.  Soon we will be landscaping around the house, establishing the southeastern boundary of the Gentile garden.  This building process has been a joy to behold!

We have also greeted three new tenants on the east side of the Gentile garden: a rooster named Peter and two hens, Dorcas and Lydia.  The story of our little chicken family requires more time than I have available right now, so I’ll dedicate a whole post to them another day. Jesus and Daniel built them a roomy chicken yard.  The hens have already begun laying eggs.  I’ll let you know when–and if–we have chicks!

The Lord continues to bless us with rain.  Over the weekend, the rain gauge registered one and a half inches.  The area lakes and groundwater continue to recharge.  God is good.

Bless you all!