This morning I woke up and I had that feeling.  The feeling that something was wrong.  Then it’s like I just “ knew” that I needed to go check on my animals.  I wasn’t sure who was “ in trouble” , but I knew I had to go to the barn.

As I walked up to the barn I started counting heads of all my miniature goats .  Everyone was accounted for except Onyx .  She was  a very small  black goat with splashes of white .  I love all of my goats and they all have very different personalities .  Onyx was the most affectionate goat by far.  Every time I come into the barn , she comes to me and rubs up against my legs, or if I squat down , she jumps onto my back and shoulders .  She is small enough that I always happily welcome it.  It is  a wonderful massage!  I’m sure she remembers when I took her for a special Christmas goat yoga expose’ .  I can feel how much she loves me and I truly hope that she knows how much I love her .  

Onyx was missing from the group of goats.  My heart sank.  “ Not again ! Please God not again!” , I thought.  I found her way off from the others in the corner .  This is always a bad sign with goats.  As I looked at her I saw a large swelling / lump underneath her chin / neck area.  I contacted a vet friend .  I gave the medications  that I was advised to give.  I kissed her and told her that I loved her .  I said a quiet prayer deep in my heart.  I was also taking care of my mom who recently had surgery so I had to leave. 

The next morning I cautiously went outside to again feed all the animals and of course check on Onyx.  I said quietly that I would be OK with whatever God decides.  I found her in the same place with her face in the corner , but this time she was in a sitting position.  I picked her up  and sat in my chair.  I held her close.  I started talking to God.  I asked Him to please help her .  I remembered how I had asked God to do the same for my late husband.  I know that God is God and we can never understand why some are healed while others are “ called home “ or pass away.  I had a peaceful feeling sitting there holding Onyx.  I kissed her head and cheeks.  She leaned her head against my chest.  I could tell that she was so happy that I was holding her.  Peanut my only sheep came up to her and put his nose against her nose and held it there for a few minutes.  Ginger ( Onyx’s cousin) came up on the other side and placed her left hoof on top of Onyx’s back and “ bowed her head” .  I remember thinking this is very unusual behavior for Peanut and Ginger. 

I felt “ prompted” to put my hand on her swelling underneath her chin / neck area.  I could feel that it was thick and firm.  Then all of a sudden I was “ prompted” to say “ In Jesus’ name be healed “ over and over and over.  I don’t even remember if I said it out loud or quietly in my heart but what I do remember is that I could actually feel that swelling / lump going down! I didn’t put any pressure on it all.  I was only lightly and barely even touching it.  At first I was kind of shocked. Then I realized what was happening.  I thought of the words “ faith of a mustard seed”.  I knew God was with me and that He had heard me.  At that moment, Onyx looked at me and she kissed me right on my mouth.  Then she jumped down off of my lap and started eating hay.  I remember thinking “ God gives and He takes away”.  I was thankful for that moment of just “knowing” that He was with me and that He had  heard me.