Sweetheart and the Hearts We Found

We have a goat named Sweetheart. We call her this because she was the first goat that ever came over to me and rubbed on my leg. She approached me, placed her face against me, just held it there, and began to gently stroke her head back and forth. At the same time a massive rainbow appeared across our land with the tip of it touching our entire herd of goats directly where they were grazing! This was an incredibly meaningful moment for us as this was on the heels of losing almost half the herd the month they arrived due to a terrible bout with coccidia. We were new to goats and didn’t know what to do. Mark and I were terribly discouraged. Not only did we have to watch our investment lying dead in the field every day, we experienced horrible sadness and tears with each goat we lost. On top of this, the goats arrived on our property with pink eye, and it began to work its way through the herd, spreading like wildfire. It took us treating them three times a day for two solid months to completely get rid of it. There were many, many hot summer days Mark and I spent the entire day in the barn with the animals.

Mark and I wondered if we had made a mistake getting the goats. That morning on the way to the vet with another terminally ill goat, I prayed and told the Lord that even if Mark and I lost all our investment, I trusted Him completely and knew He would care for us. I placed the entire herd in His hands and affirmed my belief that He was the Great Shepherd and knew how to care for and increase the herd. I asked Him to make us as Jacob, teaching us how to grow the strength of our herd. I placed my confidence in the Lord, despite what we were seeing in the natural, and trusted God to care for us, provide for us, and guide us.

That very evening was the day Sweetheart came over to me and the rainbow appeared. This was when I named her Sweetheart. God used her and this moment to assure me He was with us. I heard the Lord say, “Do you trust me?” And I replied with a big, happy, “Yes!” In that moment, a wonderful peace came over me, and I KNEW God was guiding us and would show us how to love and care for His animals. I also knew that no matter what happened, God was always faithful to lovingly provide for the needs of His children.

Today, we’ve learned to be shepherds of the flock in more ways than one. Our herd has almost grown back to its original size and is stronger and healthier than ever. Even during the summer “wormy” months, our herd is thriving. We rarely lose a goat! But more than that, our herd is a source of JOY for Mark and me. We take delight in our caregiving, and through this experience, God has tangibly demonstrated to us how He takes pleasure in caring for us!

🐐❤️ What is even more special is that recently Sweetheart had her first set of twins, and her babies came out with hearts all over their bodies! Did you get that?! For two years, we SPOKE over this goat calling her Sweetheart, and her babies came out with hearts, literally drawn by the hand of God, into their coats! 😱

I knew it was a sign from God, that if we keep our hearts sweet before God, even during our trying moments and continue to trust Him, and most importantly seek Him FIRST, He will fulfill His promises to us in the most wonderful ways, with profound, impactful meaning that will also produce soul prosperity.

If you look for hearts, you’ll find them. ❤️

This has more than just a tangible application. Just as God looks for hearts that love Him and others, we should look beyond the surface to the “heart of the matter,” piercing beneath the external to the depths of one’s inner man. “For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7

Today I am thankful for these precious twins and the reminder God knitted upon the coats of their skin. Every day as we look upon them jumping and playing, I see the hearts and once again, MY HEART is overcome with JOY, knowing the Lord is a rewarder for all those that diligently seek Him with all their heart.

“The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand…”

Deuteronomy 28:12

Misti Rains Kantor

Newer reflection: An Ambassadorship Perspective

Earlier reflection: Let It Settle, Dear One