Simply Living Homestead | Homemaking, Rhythms, Organization, Time Management, Simplify, Systems · Amanda Carlin

07 | The Lord Killed my Cow. Shocking Truths that got me through a hard Season

February 21, 2025·19 min·1 clip

Amanda reveals how the Lord killed her cow, testing her faith in a homesteading crisis.

This episode features host Amanda Carlin sharing a personal testimony about her faith following a significant loss on her homestead. Amanda, who operates a raw milk dairy in central Iowa, recounts the death of her milk cow, Clara, in September 2024. The episode focuses on spiritual reflection rather than offering practical homemaking tips. Amanda explains that Clara died from a condition called frothy bloat. She provides backstory, noting Iowa passed a law allowing direct raw milk sales to consumers on July 1, 2023. Amanda describes seeing a market opportunity and feeling divinely directed to start her dairy. The narrative centers on her emotional and spiritual response to the cow's sudden death. She recalls her immediate reaction was to quote the biblical phrase, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away." A key insight is Amanda's view of the event as a direct demonstration of God's sovereignty, despite the personal hardship. She believes the experience ultimately strengthened her faith. The episode includes a trigger warning for listeners sensitive to descriptions of animal death or final moments. Amanda frames homesteading as inherently involving difficult and sometimes unfathomable tasks, especially when one loves the animals. The host expresses hope that sharing her story will strengthen the faith of her listeners as well. She contrasts this week's spiritual focus with next week's planned practical topic on maple syrup and bulk pricing. Amanda positions the homesteading journey as integrating both physical and spiritual growth for a sustainable life. The story is presented as a form of heartfelt encouragement for others facing tough moments. The tone is deeply personal, reflective, and devotional throughout the narration. The style is a solo testimony, delivered in a conversational and encouraging manner. Listeners who appreciate faith-based perspectives on homesteading challenges and personal stories of resilience will find this episode meaningful. Those seeking actionable tips on organization or time management may prefer to skip this episode and return for the next one.

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