First day of 2025 for grazing sheep at Heatherhope. Max obsesses on retrieving tennis balls, but even more on herding sheep—something we can all learn from to develop a focus on prayer.

Mourning doves know God the way all creatures must, through love. While words fail, love settles peacefully within and among us.

After years away from herding trials, lots of dogs and their people because of life changes and Covid, I returned to find the hugs and sharing of stories to be life-giving.

Butterfly milkweed, now gracing prairie restoration plots at Heatherhope, can poison or heal. They are a sign that to read the “Book of Nature” to learn of God’s blessings takes the eyes of faith.

We need the Spirit to keep the prophetic flame alight. We cannot let disillusionment in the face of MAGA disruption of our institutions stop us from thinking anew and using our imaginations for the common good.

Dump Trump who wants to be king. But start now by dumping those who make him a king by abdicating their own responsibility for our democracy.

Zac was the happiest dog I have ever known.

Betty was the boss of the sheep and of our hearts. It hurts to say farewell, but just for now. We can see her working hard keeping the flocks in line in God’s good heaven.

Mirk and other Border Collies have taught me the value of quiet power—power that is disciplined and respectful of others.

A young man on our tractor shows the rightful joy of creation. People who get dirty and build things are creators, not billionaires who lay off people to cut costs to enrich themselves. God invites us all to join in the joy of creating rather than destroying.

Pluralism, the belief that the coexistence and even cooperation of people with different backgrounds and ideas is good for society, needs institutions to protect it and promote it. The Trump administration aims to destroy, dilute, or distort every sacred institution of pluralism. We must fight against that agenda.

Betty’s eyes, and the eyes of all animals, draw us into the mystery and sacrament of God’s love in Christ.

At Heatherhope we thank God for the life of Jimmy Carter, and mourn his death.

Dawn after darkest day of winter solstice reminds us that light conquers darkness, and God’s love is something we can trust in.

Thirteen year old Betty has survived two periods of grave ill health. She keeps on keeping on to give us joy, love, and sanity in times of insanity.