The Path Less Taken

I live a blessed life. Truly, I have a blessed existence. The Lord in His providence saw fit to place me here and gave me strong convictions about life and purpose. I have many thoughts coursing through my mind and at times, it is difficult to sort them through, to place them in the highest order of importance, and it can be draining to someone who wants to fix the worlds problems (me) and realize that I cannot. Only God can. I am His tool however and I pray that I will be used mightily.

My intention for this blog is not to show off my accomplishments (they are few) and to make much of myself. No, that is not my goal and I hope it doesn't seem to be. My goal for this blog is to journal mine and my family's life here on our farm so we can encourage others who would like to do the same. I want to be the Proverbs 31 woman. This may seem silly to you, but I desire to be her with every bone in my body. I can get discouraged when I read of her because I can see my failings so clearly, but God gave us this woman as an example of what a godly woman can and should be. I therefore conclude that He can also give me the strength to fulfill the role He desires for my life.

Every morning and evening when I go out to do chores I see God and His hand in creation. Life is bursting here on the farm. The fruit trees are already getting heavy with fruit. Apple, peach, plum, and pears - just to name a few. The walnut trees are absolutely majestic, so big and grand with their long branches and broad leaves. My seedlings - even under the care of a black thumb - are doing amazing. The tomato seeds I planted last week are growing like crazy! It seems like they grow every time I check on them, which is often. My pumpkins are still the greenhouse kings and they let the rest know it. Already, their vines are taking shape and towering over the other seedlings showing off their distinct leaves and quick growing ability. The chickens are pretty much full grown and we still have worries of a rooster. I hope we are wrong in our assumptions. *Only about 30 minutes after writing this post it was confirmed. We have a rooster.*

My sheep are another story. I called our shearer the other day and he's supposed to come out soon to clip them of their winter wool. I am awaiting this day with great anticipation because we aren't positive they are bred. Our ram is pretty young and even though his effort was never ending, we just aren't positive that he was - ahem - 'ready'. Time will tell and we still have a little while before we can officially say yea or nay. I so desperately want lambs this year, I may shed a few tears if we don't have any. Sniff. Wouldn't you?

I often wonder about this life that God has led my husband and I to. What is His plan, purpose, and direction for it? I read about, hear about, and witness people all around me getting the 'bug' so to speak. Right now it seems that people are really wanting to go back in time a bit and live a simpler life. People want to witness life in all it's forms. Really we all are wanting to see God and it is so easy to when you live this way. I'm not sure how you can deny His existence when you see a lamb be born, or your very first seedling pop up from the soil. It's truly a thrill! I believe 100% that the most miraculous event (physical...not spiritual. Salvation of course reigns supreme.) that a person experiences is the birth of a child. There is nothing sweeter than the reward of a child after the hours of travail and grueling pain. The sweet smell of a newborn, the warmth of their skin, looking them over intently and meeting the new little one that God has given you. I'm almost to tears right now, I love my babies!

Are you one of those people? Do you yearn for a garden, livestock, a simpler life? Do you desire a spouse, happiness, children? These are great things to desire, but I hope that all of us desire God the most. I hope that we surrender our lives to Him and let Him guide us. It is easy to get distracted these days; there are so many things that can take away our attention. The Lord is merciful and is always patient with this child of His - moi. He always gently leads me to the Rock that I can lean on, the River where my thirst will forever be quenched.

Physically my family is taking the path less taken. Farming is not necessarily glamorous and it seems that celebrity and glamour are what a lot of people want today. Farming is definitely not the life of ease.  We want a life that is spent growing, raising, and nurturing life so it can in turn nurture us. We desire to spend our time helping others, for we truly desire with our farm to bless others. Right now we are still figuring out the kinks, but this farm is not ours, it's God's and we want to use it to bless others, feed others, and point others to the One that matters.

Spiritually we are living the path less taken. It seems that the idea of God is attacked from every corner. And let me just say, God is NOT an idea. He is not just some moralistic 'being' that floats in the sky and tells us the things we cannot do. He is not some goody-two-shoes that is a pushover and merely makes suggestions for how people should live. He is not a figment of the imagination that people have created so they can explain away their fears. No, He is the embodiment of perfection. He is truth, He is holy, He is righteous, and He is just. He is the Creator of life and without Him, we wouldn't be.

May my life, my family, and yes, this blog point in one direction...up. I am living proof that God loves and saves sinners. Lord willing, my life will not be lived in vain. Lord willing, my husband and I will use what we've been given to bless and teach others.

When I am old and my life is spent, I hope to look back and see Christ and all the He's done through His servant.

I hope I will always continue to take the path less taken.

The Musings of a Farmer

I had an awesome day yesterday. I was tied to the house all week last week due to things that NEEDED to be done. Laundry, dishes, cleaning, organizing, and the list could go on and on. This week has been a breath of fresh air. I've been wanting to get out of the house and I made it happen. We've had absolutely glorious weather here, I'm talking 80 degrees. My friends, it doesn't get much better. I know we need the rain in a bad way, but I'm not gonna complain if the good Lord decides to give us a sunny streak. No way.

With the completion of our chicken coop I took it upon myself to clean out the green house and get it prepared for our soon to be seedlings. While I was in the throws of scooping up the chicken poop encrusted wood chips and trying my best to NOT flick it into my hair (yeah right) I got to thinking. Side note- why is it that I always ponder life and it's possibilities while I'm scooping poop, mucking out the barn, or other related tasks? I don't know either. Moving on...

In my reflections I was thinking about how blessed I am to live the life that I do. I know there are people scattered all over this earth who live in terror for their lives, are starving, and are abused and helpless. I pray for these people daily and hope that one day I can help, but until then prayer after prayer is offered up. I am blessed and there's no two ways about it. I have a great marriage, healthy kids, and have been given the opportunity to return to the farm. I am so very thankful for this and my Lord is thanked daily. I know everyone doesn't want to farm, but I do think everyone needs to be aware and interested in what it takes to grow a garden and raise animals for food. In a very simple sense, we need a few things physically in order to survive. Shelter, clothing, and possibly the most important one is...yep, you guessed it...food.

In our society today we've really turned away from having the responsibility to grow our own food. Why would someone want to take the time to grow a garden when there is someone else who will do it for them? Many people have other things they'd rather be doing than this, and I can understand that. I have things that I LOVE to do and they have nothing to do with farming. I still need to eat however, and here is the point I am getting to. There are a lot of things happening right now that are jeopardizing the food we eat and buy. Hidden additives, GMO's, highly processed food that is addictive, severe restrictions on small farms, raids on independent dairy farmers, laws that are being passed and trying to be passed to make it nearly impossible to live simply and not face fines or jail time because of the choices we make to feed ourselves. Big Brother is always wanting his share of the profits and in turn he also wants to dictate our every move. If you have an independent spirit, this can feel suffocating.   We are in the beginning stages of our farm and we also own our own business so needless to say, we know and feel what the powers-at-be are pushing down on small businesses/farms.

I am not saying that everyone should jump and become farmers. Nor am I saying that everyone should be content to turn the other way and not think about those who grow their food and the restrictions they face in doing so either. I think we need to make our money count, voices heard, and be concerned about the nutrition of the food we put into our bodies. The way I look at it, God provided plants and animals for food for us to eat and nourish our bodies with...SO we can do the things He has for us to do. If we eat garbage, we won't be able to do much and we will probably get sick sooner or later. Probably sooner...

Food is not the end all. One hundred years ago, we probably wouldn't even be having this discussion. Food was in it's natural form then and people cooked most if not ALL of the food that they ate. Not to mention that even if they weren't 'farmers' they still probably had a garden and maybe a chicken or two.  It is no longer this way and if we are at all health conscious, then we must think about what we eat and it's affect on our bodies.

This is probably one of the main reasons why my husband and I want to farm. We want to know what we're eating, what's gone into what we're eating, and we want to teach our children how to care for animals, grow food, and care for themselves. There is a lot of confidence that is gained when you know that you can grow a garden and help deliver a lamb, when you can prepare food that will nourish your body and not just 'feed' it, and when you know that if times got tough, Lord willing, that you'd be ok. (Just to get this out there...I am NOT a prepper)

So what do you do if you don't want to farm? My best answer would be to support those that do (As much as your budget allows. I know a lot of people's are pretty tight right now. We are feelin' it too.) Go to the farmers market and buy a few things. Buy your meat in bulk from a local farmer. Long run, this is the best bang for your buck and it's better for you. When the opportunity presents itself, vote for the laws that will HELP farmers. Sign petitions that will help small farms succeed. And if you DO want to farm? I'd say start small, you don't have to live on acres in order grow your own food. You can plant a garden, get some chickens or meat rabbits, or you could lease some property and start a garden or small farm there if you want to do it on a larger scale but can't afford to move. There's always a way if you start small. Here's a great book if you want to know how much you can grow on a quarter of an acre. Or this one if you want to read up on animals too.

Farming may not be everyone's dream. Farming may not be what everyone wants to be doing. I guarantee though, that if you've eaten today, it probably came from one...

The Value of Self-Discipline

I'm just going to be honest. I am lacking in a big area right now and it has been made plain to me recently.

Self-discipline.

Now there are general areas of my life where I do pretty well on a day to day basis, but there are other areas where it's obvious that I need to control my whims quite a bit more.

Probably the most obvious to you readers has to do with this blog. It is ever changing and morphing. I am always loving to tweak a little here and there, just to keep myself busy. That's all it is, busyness.

I'm the kind of person who loves to do new things, loves to change things up a bit, and am always thinking to myself, "I wonder what it would look like if I did this or that?" It can be a good thing since so many people are afraid of change or trying something new, but it can bite a person in the rear if they are 'changing things up a bit' a bit too often.

In January of this year I decided I wanted to go to Wordpress because that's where all the 'real' bloggers blog. I wanted to be a real blogger. Ahem...

I never liked it, couldn't get used to is, couldn't figure out how to do a darn thing on it, and so had to have someone else do it for me. Now if your wanting someone to work on a wordpress blog for you I would HIGHLY recommend Stewart from Nourishing Days. He was awesome and did everything I asked and then some. Truly a great gentleman and he is going to treat you well. I just found that I like too much to work on my blog myself and so needed to go back to what I'm comfortable with.

Now with all this blog jumping around and lack of self-discipline is choosing one format and sticking with it, my rear has been 'bit' so to speak. I haven't lost all my posts from the last six months, but if you go to search them and click on the link provided, it will say it doesn't exist. Not sure why, but I KNOW they are there. Also I am having to upload almost all my pictures from the last six months, they didn't translate with the change. Ugh.  If you've been reading here for any length of time you'll know that there are a TON of pictures that I'm going to have to put into quite a few posts. Needless to say I'm a little frustrated with this aspect.

I am very happy to be back, I feel like my blogging break was more than fruitful and you can expect to see me a bit more. I thank you dear readers for not leaving all together and here's to more consistency and yes, self-discipline!

Teach 'Em Well

Pardon me while I'm gettin' on my soap box.

Right now I have a young man weed eating all of the fox tails that have about darn near taken over the farm. He is a sophomore in high school and has called my husband asking for work. He is wanting to work this Summer to obviously make some money and be productive. I am thankful to see a work ethic being formed and shaped, parents instilling a sense of drive in their boy, and I'm thankful to be able to give someone a job. Work is a beautiful thing.

I get very frustrated and flustered at our culture these days. There is this mentality that hard work is for the 'lower class' or for those who aren't smart enough to go to college. No one wants to sweat, work, do physical labor, and just plain 'get after it' when it comes to making a living. We are told that it is better to make money with our brain than with our brawn. I want to reply to this, "Why not both?"

We have a sea of boys and girls, young people, and adults who don't know how to work. Sure, they have skills that they learned in college that has prepared them for a job that they are desiring, but do they know how to do any of the day to day stuff? Do they know how to mow a lawn and fix the lawn mower when it breaks down? Do they know how to replace a faucet, fix a creaky door, patch a hole in the wall, change the oil in the car, and so on? Can they cook a meal, clean the bathrooms, do laundry, and maintain a home? Do they have any life skills that are needed for our more basic needs?

Let me just say I think college is highly beneficial in our day and age. It's hard to get about any job available without any sort of degree and I think that is a good and a bad thing. Life experience can be a better teacher in many cases than a classroom. Now I want a surgeon who has studied hard, learned all about the body and it's functions, and who has experience performing surgeries. I want a lawyer to defend my innocence who knows the law through and through and has spent the time to learn how the court system operates. I want an accountant who knows how to properly handle the paperwork and be very smart with the math skills needed. I am NOT knocking education, but I am trying to make a point.

Physical work produces an enduring spirit in a person and it encourages common sense. My husband and I make it a point to involve our kids in our work. Whether it's Seth taking the kids to a construction job and letting them see what he does or myself involving the kids in the kitchen or having them help me do chores around the house. My son is already learning how to pour concrete and helps with the to-do's around the farm. Both of my kids help feed the animals, clean out the barn and chicken coop, set the table, clean the house, and etc. They love to help and we love that they are learning how to work and the satisfaction that comes from seeing what has been accomplished. When my kids see Seth or I come to a problem, they also see us figure out how to solve it and move forward. Problem solving is something that needs to be taught, instilled, and encouraged. It doesn't come naturally. Don't believe me? Just watch any child that can't figure out what they're desiring and usually they start to throw a fit.

Don't think that I'm saying, "if you don't live on a farm, do construction, or make a living doing physical labor, then you don't know how to work or are lazy." I know plenty of people to don't work a 'physical' job, but are very hard working. My point is mainly geared towards parents.

Parents, don't fall into the trap that your kids should be allowed to play all day, every day. Don't tell yourself that since they have to work for the rest of their lives, that they should be able to do whatever they want right now. If you do, I'm afraid your setting them up for failure. Teach them how to work, how to use their bodies to do something useful and to use their brains to always figure out a better way. Teach them that being productive can in many ways be more satisfying than hours of entertainment. Teach them that work is a part of reality and that rest is a reward for the time spent accomplishing a task. Teach them that brains and brawn work better together than apart.

All-in-all, kids should be able to be kids, they should get plenty of time to play and exercise their imagination, they should be taught how to work with their bodies and how to think with their brains. They need to know that all of life is not fun and play, or they'll be like so many today - selfish and lazy.

I know I'm a young parent and so you probably think that I need about 15 more years of parenting under my belt in order to give this advice. I am giving you this advice out of experience though. Maybe not out of experience of being a parent, but experience of being a child who was taught by two very hard working, smart, and productive parents. Parents who thought it better for me to learn how to raise animals, grow a garden, take care of a house, be studious in school, and to know what was involved in real life than having me grow up to believe that life was all about gratifying self.

Steppin' down now.

The Path Less Taken

I live a blessed life. Truly, I have a blessed existence. The Lord in His providence saw fit to place me here and gave me strong convictions about life and purpose. I have many thoughts coursing through my mind and at times, it is difficult to sort them through, to place them in the highest order of importance, and it can be draining to someone who wants to fix the worlds problems (me) and realize that I cannot. Only God can. I am His tool however and I pray that I will be used mightily.

My intention for this blog is not to show off my accomplishments (they are few) and to make much of myself. No, that is not my goal and I hope it doesn't seem to be. My goal for this blog is to journal mine and my family's life here on our farm so we can encourage others who would like to do the same. I want to be the Proverbs 31 woman. This may seem silly to you, but I desire to be her with every bone in my body. I can get discouraged when I read of her because I can see my failings so clearly, but God gave us this woman as an example of what a godly woman can and should be. I therefore conclude that He can also give me the strength to fulfill the role He desires for my life.











Every morning and evening when I go out to do chores I see God and His hand in creation. Life is bursting here on the farm. The fruit trees are already getting heavy with fruit. Apple, peach, plum, and pears - just to name a few. The walnut trees are absolutely majestic, so big and grand with their long branches and broad leaves. My seedlings - even under the care of a black thumb - are doing amazing. The tomato seeds I planted last week are growing like crazy! It seems like they grow every time I check on them, which is often. My pumpkins are still the greenhouse kings and they let the rest know it. Already, their vines are taking shape and towering over the other seedlings showing off their distinct leaves and quick growing ability. The chickens are pretty much full grown and we still have worries of a rooster. I hope we are wrong in our assumptions. *Only about 30 minutes after writing this post it was confirmed. We have a rooster.*

My sheep are another story. I called our shearer the other day and he's supposed to come out soon to clip them of their winter wool. I am awaiting this day with great anticipation because we aren't positive they are bred. Our ram is pretty young and even though his effort was never ending, we just aren't positive that he was - ahem - 'ready'. Time will tell and we still have a little while before we can officially say yea or nay. I so desperately want lambs this year, I may shed a few tears if we don't have any. Sniff. Wouldn't you?

I often wonder about this life that God has led my husband and I to. What is His plan, purpose, and direction for it? I read about, hear about, and witness people all around me getting the 'bug' so to speak. Right now it seems that people are really wanting to go back in time a bit and live a simpler life. People want to witness life in all it's forms. Really we all are wanting to see God and it is so easy to when you live this way. I'm not sure how you can deny His existence when you see a lamb be born, or your very first seedling pop up from the soil. It's truly a thrill! I believe 100% that the most miraculous event (physical...not spiritual. Salvation of course reigns supreme.) that a person experiences is the birth of a child. There is nothing sweeter than the reward of a child after the hours of travail and grueling pain. The sweet smell of a newborn, the warmth of their skin, looking them over intently and meeting the new little one that God has given you. I'm almost to tears right now, I love my babies!



Are you one of those people? Do you yearn for a garden, livestock, a simpler life? Do you desire a spouse, happiness, children? These are great things to desire, but I hope that all of us desire God the most. I hope that we surrender our lives to Him and let Him guide us. It is easy to get distracted these days; there are so many things that can take away our attention. The Lord is merciful and is always patient with this child of His - moi. He always gently leads me to the Rock that I can lean on, the River where my thirst will forever be quenched.

Physically my family is taking the path less taken. Farming is not necessarily glamorous and it seems that celebrity and glamour are what a lot of people want today. Farming is definitely not the life of ease.  We want a life that is spent growing, raising, and nurturing life so it can in turn nurture us. We desire to spend our time helping others, for we truly desire with our farm to bless others. Right now we are still figuring out the kinks, but this farm is not ours, it's God's and we want to use it to bless others, feed others, and point others to the One that matters.

Spiritually we are living the path less taken. It seems that the idea of God is attacked from every corner. And let me just say, God is NOT an idea. He is not just some moralistic 'being' that floats in the sky and tells us the things we cannot do. He is not some goody-two-shoes that is a pushover and merely makes suggestions for how people should live. He is not a figment of the imagination that people have created so they can explain away their fears. No, He is the embodiment of perfection. He is truth, He is holy, He is righteous, and He is just. He is the Creator of life and without Him, we wouldn't be.

May my life, my family, and yes, this blog point in one direction...up. I am living proof that God loves and saves sinners. Lord willing, my life will not be lived in vain. Lord willing, my husband and I will use what we've been given to bless and teach others.

When I am old and my life is spent, I hope to look back and see Christ and all the He's done through His servant.

I hope I will always continue to take the path less taken.