A Record!

It is so exciting waking up each morning wondering what surprises the goats might have in store.

Today I got up at 6:15am--extra early--to do the goat chores because I had a commitment which interfered with the regular 7:30am chore time.  The routine went smoothly.  I tethered the kids and gave them some grain.  I put Charlotte in the milking stand and wiped her teats off with iodine.  Her udder felt hard and full, so I knew there would be a lot of milk.  I started milking.  I milked for a few minutes, then let my brother have a turn.  He milked a while, then handed the job back to me.  I milked...and milked...and milked!  At one point Charlotte lifted up her hind leg and threatened to plunge it into the full bowl.  Thankfully, I was able to move the bowl before it came crashing down!  When her udder was finally a shriveled, limp bag, I decided we were finished!  I picked up the bowl and carried it to the house, eager to weigh its precious contents!

Fresh Squeezed Goat Milk

I placed the filter in the strainer and placed the strainer on top of the pitcher.  I weighed the whole set-up on the scale and pressed "tare" to zero out the weight of the pitcher and strainer.  Then, I began pouring the milk.  I poured...and poured...and poured.  The scale registered first a pound, then two, then three.  My eyes were wide in surprise as the scale reached five pounds and I was still pouring.  As I poured out the last of the frothy milk, the digital scale registered 6lbs. 0oz.  Before I could step back to admire it, the pitcher began overflowing.  I quickly moved the strainer to another bowl to finish straining.  Milk was all over the counter, but I didn't mind.  Charlotte had milked SIX pounds (3/4 gallon) in one morning!

The kitchen was "flowing" with milk!

I wrote four labels for this morning.  I ripped off each of these 5/19 labels so I can easily see which milk in the fridge is fresh or old, depending on what I am using it for!

This morning I was reminded of the portion of Psalm 23 which mentions "my cup overflows."  I was reminded that an overflowing cup (or milk pitcher) is a sign of blessing from The Lord.  The contents of the cup (yummy, healthy milk) help to sustain my physical life.  Also, the overflowing cup is a symbol of the abundant life (physical and spiritual) that I have through Jesus my Messiah!  What a beautiful illustration of His provision!