Yesterday didn’t go as planned — and sometimes, that’s just how life on a ranch goes.
There’s a saying we come back to often: “If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.” We had a plan. A solid one. And then, as so often happens, the day unfolded a little differently than expected.
Ranch Life Keeps Moving, Even When Plans Shift
While I was finishing up at my day job, the rest of the family was hard at work. The cows were fed, and our bull — fondly named “Princess” — was moved into the loading pen. Everything was lining up according to plan.
But ranching has a way of inviting you to pause, reflect, and sometimes rethink things.
After some heavy discussion and a few phone calls, we made the decision to keep Princess in our herd for one more year.
Choosing What’s Best for the Herd
Princess has been running with a group of bigger cows, so there’s no concern about anyone getting hurt. He’s done exactly what he’s supposed to do — and done it well. Keeping him another year simply makes sense for the health and future of our herd.
Sometimes the right decision isn’t the one that fills the freezer the fastest, but the one that supports long-term stewardship.
That doesn’t mean our freezer isn’t feeling a little light on beef right now — because it is.
Provision Looks Different Sometimes
A low beef supply just means it’s time to shift gears. We need to carve out some free time to finish cutting up the two mule deer my husband and son were blessed with at the end of November. That provision will carry us through until the next season.
It’s a reminder that God provides in many ways — sometimes through careful planning, and sometimes through unexpected blessings.
Looking Ahead to Our Beloved Highland Bull
In time, we will be slaughtering our beloved Highland bull, Henry. When that day comes, we will be doing a full head mount, which means we are on a very specific schedule for when he can go into our freezer.
Henry holds a special place on our ranch, and we’re committed to honoring him well — both in life and in purpose. He is the last of our original Scottish Highland Herd, we’ve fully switched to Red Angus. These cows have held a special place in my heart, known for their shorter bodies, docile manner, BEAUTIFUL long, shaggy coats and long, wide-spreading horns. I haven’t seen cattle more glorious than them. In the end, we needed to focus on what worked better for us as a ranch.
Loving Our Animals While Honoring Their Purpose
Many of our animals are affectionately named, and each one is cared for with intention and respect. We want the best for them — always.
At the same time, we understand the reality of ranch life: our animals serve a purpose for our family. Holding both truths — care and purpose — is part of faithful stewardship.
It isn’t always easy. It’s often emotional. But it’s honest, and it’s grounded in gratitude.
Trusting God When the Plan Changes
Yesterday reminded us that plans may change, but God’s timing does not. Ranch life teaches flexibility, humility, and trust — lessons we’re still learning every day.
The freezer will fill when it’s meant to. The herd will grow as it should. And we’ll continue doing our best to care well for what we’ve been entrusted with.
This is life at Whisper River Ranch — rooted in faith, guided by stewardship, and shaped by trust in God’s plan.