Meet Marshmallow: Goat Birth Story & "But God" Faith Reflections

Meet Marshmallow

Marshmallow’s entry into the world was anything but smooth. Born breached, his brave human mama reached in to reposition him, saving both his life and his mama’s. But challenges continued: on a scorching day, his dehorning procedure went wrong. The vet used a natural herb to calm him, but he became so deeply sedated he didn’t wake as expected—leading to an unexpected stint in air conditioning with two very curious house cats watching over him. At one point, even his own mother thought him gone and rejected him, requiring gentle human mediation to reunite them.

Today, Marshmallow is the most vocal goat in the pasture, always clearly (and loudly!) letting us know what he needs. His story of survival and thriving is a beautiful reminder that God redeems even the hardest beginnings.

Reflections on Our Lives: “But God” Moments

Marshmallow’s journey mirrors so many of our own human experiences—times when things go wrong, plans fail, and we need divine intervention.

Repositioning Like Jonah running from Nineveh or Saul persecuting the church, we sometimes head the wrong direction. Jonah needed a whale to turn him around (Jonah 1–4); Saul needed a blinding encounter on the Damascus road to become Paul (Acts 9:1–8). Marshmallow needed repositioning too—his human mama listened to the Holy Spirit’s nudge and adjusted him, bringing him into the world healthy and strong.

Praise God for those pivotal “But God” moments! They turn our missteps into testimonies, our resistance into obedience, and our struggles into purpose. (It’s one of my favorite phrases in Scripture—short, powerful, and full of hope.)

Strength in Weariness When exhaustion sets in, God promises renewal:

“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)

The Hebrew word for “wait” (“קוה” – qavah) means expectant faith—trusting He’ll provide exactly what we need to keep going. When we’re tired, weak, or overwhelmed, we turn to the Lord. He renews us so we can finish the race He’s set before us.

Acceptance in Rejection Ever felt cast aside or alone? Through Christ, we’re not just accepted—we’re adopted into God’s family:

“In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ… In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…” (Ephesians 1:4–7 ESV, condensed)

Sin breaks relationships, but God restores and lavishes grace, forgiveness, and an eternal inheritance on us. We belong to Him—fully, forever.

As We Step into the New Year Whether you’re setting resolutions or simply hoping for better days, hold onto these truths:

When you veer off course, God will guide you back.
When you’re weary, He will strengthen you.
When you feel rejected, you’re embraced by His family.

Let these anchors carry you through the year ahead. Marshmallow’s loud bleats remind us daily: God turns hard stories into joyful ones. Trust His timing, lean on His strength, and watch Him work.

Happy New Year from our homestead to yours—may it be filled with “But God” moments of grace and growth.

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