Yes, that’s us . . . well me at least. But it’s so cool that my family is into it too, even if for different reasons than mine. I’ve been trying to think of how to articulate the spiritual dimension of my desire to homestead and I think it comes down to my belief that the earth is an intricate, tricky and abundantly generous thing that God has given to us to help us live. Not only to help us survive, but to help us learn and grow and truly live, from the inside out. I do not want to miss out on that most wonderous gift by living my whole life separated from the beauty and education that Creation is. I also feel utterly worshipful as I discover the ways that nature sustains itself and us, if we learn how to be good and wise stewards. Lately when I learn of principles such as how “the animals feed the soil, the soil feeds the plants, the plants feed the people and the animals” something inside me yells out “THAT is the way God intended for us to live!” Or when I observe bees, with their puffy orange legwarmers of pollen, or when I read about herbs and their uses. The natural world is full of mysterious miracles and God is revealed there, here for all who care to take notice. I think He’s calling each of us to quiet down and just be in close interaction with the earth, taking from it only what we need and graciously replenishing it. I’ll probably want to write more on this in the future, but for now I’ll offer pictures, pictures of the beginnings of a journey toward a more self-sufficient life, not toward perfection, but toward God, because I love Him and I am starving for more of Him. There’s got to be a reason it’s called The Good Life, you know?
ready for planting . . . the chicken wire is to protect our future food from the doggies
Sidney built this for me last Summer, I enjoy the process of hanging laundry very much . . . and the bird songs make it an extra lovely time for a mama
I love how in the Little House books they talk about their rare and special "boughten" items, well this bread ain't boughten! Haven't times changed that now homemade is rare and special (at least around here)?
3 Comments
It seems weird to me just how complex it would be to rearrange my busy life to the simplest ways of living. No dryers, grocery shopping, starbucks? All the effort to turn from the complex to the simple, to turn from immediate to the patient, wise and abundant life of living off the land God has given. Despite the complexity I have given it, I look at your pictures and your description and it does seem peaceful! And, the proverbs states that a woman (wife) of noble character considers a field and buys it, out of her earnings she plants a vineyard and sets out her work vigorously, her arms are as strong as her tasks. That seems to be the strength that you are searching for! May God Bless your homestead and YOU for striving to fully search out God through your home, mothering, and character.
Thank you Salina. I’m not ready for no dryers, grocery shopping or Starbuck’s just yet! All the stuff I read suggests that we make sure to make the transition slowly and organically, just like the natural process you described. I still use the dryer when the sun isn’t shining enough to dry the clothes in one day, and I tried indoor laundry hanging, but that filled up our library completely! With the load that a family of five produces, I decided that while the kids are little I should allow myself the use of the dryer. Slow, organic, with compassion for our internal and external seasons, that seems to fit, without losing sight of the goal.
Jenn, this is so great! I am so excited to see what your hard works produces … and oh my, that bread looks so yummy.