Garden Plans for 2011 In The Works

We're still hoping for our own piece of dirt prior to planting season. We have our eyes on one in particular and have put in an offer. I'm hopeful they will accept it or that we can reach an agreement SOON!

Here you see what caught MY eye.

Do you see that yard?! That is only PART of the yard! Can't you just imagine a chicken coop, and chickens, and kids running, and a garden with a bee hive, and maybe a milk cow? Oh it sets my heart on fire!

I intend to PROCEED as if this will allll work out. So I have estimated the amount of seedlings I need to start. And using this simple online tool, Grow Guide Form, I have a printed out calendar that tells me when to start my seeds, and transplant them for summer and winter gardening in my locale.

This years working plan. 30'x55'.

This week apparently is my LAST CHANCE to get those cabbages started. So I'll get them going in a couple days here. I just started things whenever I wanted last year, so hopefully this works better, allowing my plants the proper time to grow and be strong enough for transplanting in our climate.

There are a couple other large differences this year, gardening my own newly broken ground and NOT the city's community garden.

One.... This soil apparently has a high sand ratio. I know that over time (a few years least) I can fix this with soil amendments from our homes compost, potential chicken manure, and purchased amendments from the local feed and garden stores. In a recent class I took from the Extension Office, they assured us that MOST soil types were fixable with determination and a little know how. I may begin by sending off for a soil sample this year. While this does cost some money (I think $35ish last I checked per test) they do send you back a laboratory analysis of your soil along with a specific list of amendments that will fix all your problems.

Two..... while walking the property we discovered large quantities of deer scat. This is not particularly surprising. We wanted boonies. We're DEEPLY DESIRING boonies. And boonies comes with wild critters. So this garden will need to have a high fence around it. In my class we also received information how to deal with numerous pests and methods of varying degrees how they could be dealt with. I seem to recall there was something about soap on a string that kept deer away.... So I need to pull that paperwork out.

Overall.... I am SO EXCITED. The thought of digging my very own dirt thrills me. The thought of pulling my little plum tree, that my grandparents gave me for this joy filled day, and planting it in my own yard and watching it grow and someday provide my family with sweet sweet fruits is amazing to me.

The Lord has blessed me abundantly! I will sing His praises FOREVER. Amen.

Ordering on March 4th....

Surviving Off Off-Grid - Official Book Site

Engaging In The Act of WAR

Daily, we face an enemy, the enemy of our souls and the father of lies. The bible encourages us often to be VIGILANT, to be READY, to be WATCHING, for our enemy is like a roaring lion WAITING to devour us.

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

I have seen his handiwork in many lives, depression, anxiety, mental illness, drug abuse, and destroyed families. His goal clearly is to drag us from the Salvation of Christ. His desire to keep us from the great glory that God wills for our lives.

But how do we stand against a supernatural, powerful, spiritual enemy?

It is, just like Good News, surprising simple!

Psalm 91:15 - He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.

Ephesians 6:10-18 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

I try to daily pray this prayer.....

Dear Father God,
Please put on me the Full Armor of God.
Put on me the Breastplate of Righteousness.
(I indicate my chest as I imagine the breastplate covering my heart and body.)
Put on me the Belt of Truth.
(I indicate my waist as I imagine the belt being placed around me.)
Put on my feet the Preparation for the Gospel of Peace.
(I indicate my feet as I imagine putting on strength and courage to share the Good News of Salvation.)
Put in my one hand the Shield of Faith, which can quell the fiery darts of the evil one.
(I indicate non-dominant arm as I imagine holding a large shield that protects me from my enemies.)
Put in my other hand the Sword of the Spirit, the word of God that is sharper than any two edged sword, and can cut to the division of bone and marrow, soul and spirit, and does not fall void.
(I indicate my predominant hand as I imagine holding this supernatural sword.)
And put on my head the Helmet of Salvation, the assurance of my standing with You.
(I indicate my head as I imagine the helmet being slipped onto my forehead, and the promise of the Holy Spirit's seal on our foreheads as true believers.)
In Jesus' name. Amen.

And I leave you with this beautiful bible chapter about the Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God.

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

- May God richly bless you and yours. <3


***

Liked this rain soaked ranting from La Soñador?  Check out these similar posts.....

La Soñador ~: Armor of God
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against ...

New Stats = Surprising!

My husband recently set up a new program to track the statistics on my blog. Who is viewing and what are they viewing, etc. I was surprised by what the stats revealed!

While I have a small group of loyal readers I have been getting a daily in-pouring of viewers that look at ONE photo I posted some time ago. They are seeking information about the ARMOR OF GOD.

Sooooo I feel obligated, and blessed to offer a more in depth look at this invaluable bible lesson.

I'm typing it up right now!

So Many Projects... So Little Time

And Energy!

With about 3 or 4 weeks to go before the new baby joins our little family.... I am STILL adding to my project list.

Life isn't standing still. Though I really make an effort to keep our schedule open and our duties to a minimum, they keep piling up. And right now, with the inevitable looming addition to our family, and my energy at a premium, it is no different.

Our last few projects have worked out really well.

* Our Lights Out/Off the Grid test was an adventure that we enjoyed and learned a few things from.

* Homemade Sourcream tastes MUCH better made with light cream and buttermilk, than with light cream and vinegar. I haven't been able to get it very thick, and will have to investigate that aspect of it. But it tastes great.

* Homemade Yogurt was alot more forgiving than I feared. I had actually put off that project for several weeks because I was very concerned at my ability to maintain 100 - 110F degrees for an extended period of time. But I finally just decided to give it a shot on my back burner on low. WORKED GREAT! Absolutely great tasting and the kids devoured it. Running to purchase more milk tonight to make another batch.

* Our plans to purchase our own home and property are moving forward. But we're still not sure WHEN this will take place. But we enjoy day dreaming about it. :)

Until baby does arrive I have a few more projects I am contemplating. I HOPE to get some done, and get some started while I have the time and energy.

* Make a good quantity of granola, for quick breakfasts, snacking, mixed in with yogurt, etc.

* Start making my own bread in my bread machine DAILY instead of using store bought breads. I also have a recipe that uses Amish Friendship Starter that makes a very nice sweet bread that reminds me of Hawaiian Bread. I like it.

* I need to sew a couple things before baby arrives. A Nursing Pillow Cover, and a Nursing Cover. These are SIMPLE to sew. But I am having a hard time finding the type of fabric I want for the cover up. Yes... some of this problem is because I am a cheapskate. And some of this problem is because I am SUPER particular about patterns, colors, etc. If I'm going to make it I want it to be very ME.

* I recently found these beautiful Mama and Baby dolls online. I love them! But I could never afford one ($140 each). I realize that they are probably handmade and they are custom to your requests. But I realize.... that with some determination and planning.... I can make one myself. So I'm going to! As I told a friend, I think the kids will love it. If not..... I sure will. :)

Of course, I still have the normal daily duties of a mother and wife. Dishes, laundry, keeping the house and children presentable, and keeping up with homeschooling my son. Some days I feel that even this is too much for me. But I remember that the Lord rewards the works of our hands. I get up and get doing..... and the energy is there. It surprises me every time. I don't think I will ever say, "This is easy. A breeze." But I do say very very often, "I love it. I wouldn't want any other job in the world."

What other job could I have where ....
I get kisses all day long?
I see the most beloved and adored people in my whole life hours and hours every day?
I get to be creative with baking, crafts, decor?
I get to hone my skills and constantly stretch myself learning how to better care for those I love?
And most days get a nap in the middle of the day? :)

And now I'm off to continue folding laundry. <3 br="">

Change is in the air....

I love those times in your life that change and define your entire being and future. Sometimes they are hard and frightening, sometimes they are uncontainably exciting and joyous. But... they are so vital to whooooooooo we are.

‎.... moving out of your parents house, finding a new job, falling in real and true love, death of loved ones, coming to the lord, marriage, child birth, your children moving out, buying your very own home.

Sure, some are more relevant to me right now.... maybe you are in different times in your life.

My advice....
Don't compromise.
Know what you are doing and WHY.
Pray that the Lord bless and guide you every day.
♥

Sweet Homemaking

Think of your husband as your "client". You are not just acting as a maid, but as a window dresser—creating artistic displays of love and solace in every room.