As we have started getting serious about our homestead journey, I’ve begun the process of researching blogs.  I have to be honest that I’m continually amazed and disappointed at the use of the term “Self-Sufficient”.  As a follower of Christ it is my understaning that everything good comes from the father(James 1:17); and apart from Christ we can do nothing.  We have never been nor will we ever be sufficient by ourselves.  I feel there is in an important distinction to be made.  Our goal of homesteading is not building big barns and storing for ourselves, but that by more closely depending on God and his provisions, that others may see and glorify our father in heaven(Matthew 5:16).   Christ is sufficient in all things, we are not.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to begin things I know are destined for failure.  Self-sufficiency is destined for failure.  I prefer the Christ-sufficient lifestyle.  As I finish this post, my only concluding thought is that I pray that these thoughts taken from scripture would encourage you as well as ring in my own head to humble me and remind me daily to see God’s goodness in all things he has for His children.  For His word says…And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  So whether our harvest is great or small, our efforts seem wasted or productive, we are to be confident that the result is for our good.  Who knows what we need more than He does?  Who has to power to give more than Him?  What more could Christ have done for us?  I gladly say that I am fully dependent on Christ and His victory at the cross.  I am thankful that I will never be self-sufficient.

Well the growing season has passed since the first entry of his perspective was posted.  After a heavy season of rain we really ended up with a very small harvest including a few buckets of apples, 2 rows of lettuce and some green beens.  This was primarily due to mass quantities of rain prior to and after planting.  I would have had better success growing cranberries with how marshy that area was.  I believe we are going to need to rethink our strategy of gardening and use raised beds next year.  One of the other real challenges was getting the garden in due to time constraints.   Seemed like whenever we were available it rained.  When we were gone, it was beautiful.  To support our family, I’m still working about 45-50hrs/week.  Add in some other activities with all the children as well as account for broken lawnmowers, weeds, etc. and we have a serious time crunch.  We’ll have to look at investing in some more tools to speed up the jobs in the short run.  It is true that we do what we make time for.  It’s near impossible trying to live a lifestyle of homesteading and children in sports.   Sometimes the time is gone and I wonder what I spent it on (similar to money).  This is our 5th growing season on our homestead and I can’t help but feel some frustration with growing more weeds than sustainable food for a 5th year and yet my mind still grows excited about the thought of actually growing a garden next year.  I will spend every extra moment I have this winter fixing all of the lawnmowers, tractor and skidloader to prepare for spring.  It may be that long before I post again.  Until next time, may you find God’s blessing rich and abundant …