Five Ways to Honor God in the Garden

The Scriptures contain multiple verses pertaining to the acts of sowing & reaping, of harvesting and of cultivation. Of caring for the fatherless, the widow and the orphan. The poor or for those in need. They also share a part of YHVH's heart as a gardener, a farmer, a sower and... as a reaper. I have learned many biblical principles from the act of gardening and I believe that gardening can be another way to serve and minister to others.

Over the years I have attempted to honor various commands and principles in different ways. Today I am sharing some of the them with you. This is by no means the only way or the best way to serve God with your garden. Just some simple ideas that can really make a difference.

1. When You Harvest Your Field: often times when my gardening season is winding down, I wait as along as possible to pull the beds and get them ready for the winter. Reserving all the remaining produce up to the first frost for the poor, the sojourner, or anyone who may be in need.

"And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.” - Leviticus 23 : 22

2. Leave Some For the Poor & Sojourner: invite those in need, and who are able - to come and glean from your fields. Set up a time or a special day for them and invite people into your garden, allow them to glean and assist them personally if needed.

"When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the sojourner. I am the LORD your God." - Leviticus 19 : 9 - 10

3. Intentionally Plant Extra with the Purpose of Giving to Those in Need: go ahead and plant an extra row, or a few extra plants. From which all of the fruit thereof will be for those who need it. An extra row of lettuce or beets, a few extra tomato plants really do not add much to the work.

4. Bless Those Who May Need an Extra Hand: sometimes mothers, those whom are ill or the elderly may need an extra hand. I have had the privilege of knowing a few, who would love fresh produce or a loaf of homemade bread. Make sure it would be a blessing if you give them a basket of produce - by cleaning it well - ahead of time. This way you are not accidentally creating more tasks for them. Gift it use-able.

"If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf there, do not go back to get it. It is to be left for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands." - Deuteronomy 24 : 19

5. When Putting Food Up: along the same line, if you are canning twenty five quarts of tomatoes add another two or three. This is easier if you intentionally planted extra and blessing someone with fresh, home canned - garden goods is truly a labor of love. You could even attach a packet of saved seeds from your garden.

"Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." - 2 Corinthians 9 : 6

I am sure there are many more ways to honor God with our gardens, and true to His word if we set our hand to this task, He will bless the work. It is also a wonderful way to build community.

A Farmer of Faith :: I would like to be

Let's do a little defining. You see I believe words matter, as does their definitions. I also believe we have lost a lot of depth in our modern culture and not just with words and languages.

When I ask someone to define the word farmer, or to explain to me what the word faith means... the responses are all over the board. If we could take the time to look up the word, let's say... in the 1828 Dictionary, we often will find that there is more to the word that we should consider.

The word farmer for example is: "a tenant, a lessee; one who hires and cultivates a farm; a cultivator of leased ground. One who takes taxes, customs, excise or other duties, to collect for a certain rate per cent; as a farmer of the revenues. One who cultivates a farm; a husbandman, whether a tenant or the proprietor. In mining, the lord of the field, or one who farms the lot and cope of the king."

Another example, is the word faith. Faith is defined as: "to trust; to persuade, to draw towards any thing, to conciliate; to believe, to obey. Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth. In theology, the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers..."

Faith continued: "justifying, or saving faith is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.

The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind, which is called trust or confidence, exercised towards the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior. Faith is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God. Faith is a firm, cordial belief in the veracity of God, in all the declarations of his word; or a full and affectionate confidence in the certainty of those things which God has declared, and because he has declared them." ~ 1828 Webster's Dictionary/in part

There was much more to the definition of faith, but I am sure you can see my point. So what does being a farmer of faith mean? To me : it is the hope, it is my active faith : in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob... being Redeemed of Jesus/Yeshua, to cultivate the land around me for my King.

To weed what needs weeding, to water the dry grounds and prepare the soil. To care for and assist, to be a light in the dark place. To hold on and never let go, to grow forgiveness, feed on truth and blossom in radical love. To create a safe haven in the physical and in the spiritual, to offer a garden of grace and foundation for the laws of God.

Yes, I want this in my life.
For me, and for those around me.

I know well - that farming is hard work and Redemption is messy. Or what it is like to thirst for the waters of living water, to choke on the meat of the Word and to swallow a camel while straining a gnat. I also know what it is like to receive earth shaking forgiveness and to be washed white... so much so it tore the veil in half.

I would like to be called a faith farmer, a collector of hope... an example of the work He has done and is doing... what about you? Will join me in being a farmer of faith?

Salve Creative : Dandelion Rose

Looking for an easy, floral salve that will cover many bases. Well here it is: Dandelion Rose. I made this up using hand gathered dandelions from the homestead's back yard and certified organic ingredients for the ones I can not yet grow. Salve basics are 3 parts oil base to 1 part wax and one hundred percent creative science.

Dandelion Rose Salve :

This particular salve is made of : Organic Extra Virgin Olive oil/Sunflower oil infused with: Dandelion {Taraxacum officinale} - Rose {Rosa centifolia}, Local Beeswax, Vitamin E and Rose Geranium Essential oil. It is perfect for use on: chapped & dry hands, sore muscles, over all stiffness and minor scrapes.

I follow the same process with all my salves & balms - changing the ingredients to fit my needs. However, the Rose & Rose Geranium really set this salve apart. The scent being very faint, but present and the blessings of Rose Geranium are not limited to : but - include : soothing skin, being anti fungal, anti viral and anti inflammatory.

The salve making process is often quickly learned and a skill I would encourage you to obtain. However, if you are interested in this salve and have a desire to support small business - I would be happy to make you a tin, while my home grown / home harvested dandelion supplies last that is.

Please Note: this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. This sharing is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians or natural health providers. Please seek your personal provider for questions or concerns - and research information from reliable sources.

Ideas for Common Cold Care

It's that time of year again, germs and bugs abounding. Hopefully I am just in time to share a collective of care practices for the common cold that are often found in our home.

First a simple tea to blend, consisting of a few wonderful herbs that are easy to grow and/or to locate if you need to purchase them. Please be sure your supplier is reputable.
 

• Chamomile – mild sedative, restlessness
• Echinacea – immunomodulating, contraindication for auto immune
• Black Elder – immune stimulant
• Yarrow – anti-inflammatory, herbal bitter, anti-microbial
• Peppermint – antitussive, anti-spasmatic
• Nettle – anti-rheumatic

Directions: blend equal parts of the above dried herbs and store them in a dark, labeled container.  

To use:  simply fill your standard tea ball with your tea blend and place this into your special tea cup. Add six to eight ounces of hot water. Cover. Let the tea steep roughly five minutes or until preferred strength is reach. Sip while hot and tolerable.

*Variation - you could also add some dried orange peel or apple.

Elderberry Tincture – sambucus nigra - in our home we use a tincture made with elderberry and brandy most of the time. Hot Toddies with this base offer wonderful night relief. However, when my daughter was younger we made syrups for the sweet element. With a simple internet search you will see that Elderberry Tincture, Extracts and Syrup recipes are everywhere. However, this is my go to because of the solidarity of their educational and resource materials.

• From Vintage Remedies - an Elderberry Syrup recipe

Herbal Foot Baths:
 

• David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG in Medical Herbalism, page 337 - shares this recipe: Add 1 T mustard powder to 4 pints of hot water – soak feet for roughly ten minutes, twice a day.
• Nana would say soak your feet in Epsom Salts, for ten to fifteen minutes, dry your feet and apply a vapor rub to the soles and then cover them with cotton or wool socks. Do this prior to going to bed and sleep with your socks on through the night.
  
  

Aromatherapy for the Cold: diffusing these essential oils through out the day, especially where you are resting will be beneficial to you and your environment.

• Melaleuca & Eucalyptus
• Rosemary & Peppermint

You could also make any of these combinations into a linen spray for your pillow or head rest.

To make a Linen Spray:

Simply mix equal amount of vodka and distilled water - like ¼ C to ¼ C – add 10 to 15 drops of each essential oil in the combination. Add this mixture to a spray bottle, label and date. Shake well before each use. You can adjust accordingly depending on the type of spray bottle you use. We prefer and use glass.

*creative note - I actually use a little less vodka or alcohol and more essential oils.

Steam Inhalation: place about 1/3c of blended herbs OR two drops each of essential oils of Chamomile and Bergamot into a bowl, and pour boiling water over them, then create a tent with an old - but large towel - by draping the towel over your head and around the bowl. Be sure not to let the steam escape. This is best done in a seated position so you can lean over to accommodate the action required... inhale slowly for 5 to 10 min.

A NOTE ON ESSENTIAL OILS: length of time may vary and it is best to start with one drop of each to begin with, and do not use if you are sensitive to the listed essential oils or plants.

In the Kitchen: foods such as onions, garlic, ginger, astralgalus and lemon are great for the common cold and should be added to the diet liberally while sick. Unless those foods listed are contraindicated for your system.

Meals like – chicken soup, made with home made bone broth and astralgalus root would be a great meal. Again, heavy on the garlic and onions if you can tolerate them and remember to avoid sugar as much as possible while sick, as sugar has negative effects on your immune system.

Drink plenty of water, consume lots of vitamin C and get ample rest.

For Nurturing the Soul: it's no fun being sick. However I do find comfort in God's Word. Here are a couple verses I like to think upon or make into cards for me to see throughout the day.

• Romans 12:12 -  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
  
• Proverbs 31:25 - Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

I hope you find these ideas helpful and prepped for cold season.

Winnies Wonder Udder Balm Recipe

Meet Winnie, She is not my goat. However, she and I are rather close these days as I have the honor of milking her twice a day right now. Her owner just had a baby... oh my goodness, he is so handsome. He was born right at home, with mama, papa, and midwife.

Winnie is the first goat I have had the privilege to milk, and again I am divinely blessed with the personality of hooves for this milking adventure. By that I mean she is very well trained, doesn't show too much apprehension for a new full-time milker and gives me a consistent volume in quarts.

It was for her, that I created this lovely natural and nurturing udder balm. It's simple in ingredients and easy to whip up in a hurry, that is if you have everything on hand : other wise known as a well stocked apothecary.

The Recipe: very adjustable for personal size requirements

1/4 cup plantain & dandelion infused olive oil
1/2 cup shea butter - warmed
8 drops of melaleuca essential oil
8 drops of lavender essential oil

To Make: simply add the ingredients to an appropriate sized bowl and whip with a hand mixer. Once the udder balm has reached your desired consistency, package and label.

To Use: apply in quarter sized amounts to the udder after each milking, then gently massage over the entire surface area. Personally, I rub it all over my hands then apply it the udder.

Creating this balm in small batches may seem like extra work, however doing this allows for your herbal remedies effective integrity to be maintained. Giving you and your goats a quality product.

The 1801 :: up north and raw

In the north, the place of my growing up years, where maple trees fill almost every road side and two tracking is still popular. Providence brought me another set of skills gleaned and new lessons to learn.

Meet the 1801.

Where a little one runs through the hills barefoot and eats of berry patches freely. Where its normal to see her playing in the watering tank and climbing to heights that still make me gasp. Where chickens are hatched by the workings of the Creator, one clutch after another. The 1801, a farm in the making, with hopes of sustainable independence and growth.

Here, I milk for milk. Where I became fond of goats. Where I was able to perfect an udder balm that is marketable and share some of my herbal learning. Where I tasted raw goat cheese, butter and yogurt... and this is where we learned how to change the rotors on the jeep.

The 1801, a place skilled in the art of reuse it. Selling chicken eggs and fire wood bundles. Where home birth and mid-wives are welcomed, land foraging and heirloom seeds abound. Where I gleaned the ins and outs of community gardening as well.

It is where green house usage, planting for market gardening and getting a honest idea on how much land we would really need entered my dream. I became more aware of what I am capable of and what I am not, reminded often that I only have two hands and twenty four hours in a day.

I educated in the concept of pacing myself.

Here I am, with this desire... sometimes feeling like I was born to put my hands in the dirt. It will not go away, nor will the desire remain silent, and doing nothing... feels like something is starving.

Shalom in the South :: home of healing hospitality

Residing on a farm in middle Tennessee, I gleaned more than just practical how to. Being surrounded by fellowship and wide open spaces a healing began to happen from the inside out. Now don't think for one minute it was all rose hips and wine, but rather a true healing and growing {s.t.r.e.t.c.h.i.n.g.} happened there.

Meet Shalom in the South.

With her, I was able to cultivate more of my agrarian heart and add to my skills... were I learned to enjoy composting toilets, embraced an outside kitchen, and where we became really good at taking cover for Tornado warnings in the middle of cooking dinner.

It's where I learned to milk a cow, about banding horns, and birthing. Making maple syrup, late night guinea hen round ups, the butchering of sheep and the intensity of a Jersey bull. It's where ticks become nothing to have convulsions over and humidity was just the way it is.

Shalom in South, taught me to choose to over come and do it. To laugh again... pray hard... to sing as loud as your heart desires. Trust me, when I say on any given day, there was a song on every tree... it's where Sunday work days took on a whole new meaning, and where food preservation increased by triple volumes.

It's where I rekindled an appreciation for a wood stove, quality muck boots and strong denim. Where oil lamps and wagon wheels were normal, where I learned to say y'all and how to cross a creek just to get to my friends house. Where I learned about creek stompin, chicken and waffles, and just how peaceful a white rocking chair can be.

It's where I learned how to love through the hard parts. Where I met people who actually thrive off grid, and where I saw first hand what a community can do for those who are in need. Where I learned to appreciate a home made truffle and a great cup of coffee.

Knowing Tom :: gateway to the road home

Though I was raised running through mud chasing cows, not every thing carries with you into adulthood. However, this strong desire to run bare foot through  the grass, pick and glean every useful berry, root, fruit and leaf. To do it myself. To husband animals and grow a life wrapped in the rhythms of the Creator's calendar and seasons... was weaved into who I am becoming.

Ever have one those nights, where you sit and ask yourself  'how did we ever get to this place'? Then self starts remembering all the events that brought you to this place, and you find yourself still awake at three in the morning...

Meet Tom.

Tom was a grand introduction, actually I believe it was Providence. So many homesteading skills were gleaned from knowing Tom, and it was he who inspired me to turn my entire backyard into a garden, add chickens and re-ignited my flame of learning how to market garden.

It was also during that season, when we went door to door on a back country road looking for raw milk. Yes. True Story. Picture with me - a mini van, two ladies and four children of various ages all seeking 'white' gold and knocking on doors like we were selling cookies. It was Tom who sent us on that chase... and yes, we were blessed for our efforts. Raw goats milk for a season.

Tom also taught us how to butcher chickens, hoe long rows, prep for farmers markets, and what 'not to do' for organically grown produce and the importance of knowing your soil. This was also when I become passionate about Non GMO, having a serious dislike for Monsanto and Round Up... and became hound dog on intent to find another source for raw milk.

Later came my involvement in a whole foods co-op, a raw milk share and serving at a local church's healthier food store. Sold chicken eggs, tortillas and home made bread, gleaned wild plums and learned to can with a pressure cooker. Part of my daughters home school curriculum was to raise a four by four plot of red winter wheat, thresh the grain and grind it by hand and produce an edible.

I will never forget that dinner, we all sat there after grace staring at the bountiful table with hearts filled with gratitude. There before us, table laid was home made butter, fresh biscuits and chicken soup... and the only part of the meal that we did not raise ourselves was the milk for the butter. 

We felt like we had reached a huge success in our lives, accomplished a high set goal and I think that will always be the best meal we have ever eaten, in flavor and in joyfulness.

Yes, knowing Tom, fanned the flame of what lay in my being... rekindled the childhood memories, the clothes line, my desire to learn how to sew and knit, make candles, render tallow and create home remedies...  and even though it was not Tom who taught me all those things, or even shared in each memory. It is who comes to mind first. When I ask myself ~ how did I arrive here?

Highwinds Homestead :: a journey introduction

Hi There! I wanted to take a moment to make an introduction. Welcome to the Highwinds Homestead. The name was chosen for a couple of reasons really - but residing at an elevation of 6,755 feet and where the wind blows the majority of the year greatly impacted the name of our homestead.

We have a growing zone of 4 -5b, an average rainfall of nine and a quarter inches a year and mountain lions and rattlesnakes do come to town.

these were grown at 3,743 feet

I firmly believe that being a homesteader is so much more than location and land ownership. I believe it involves the heart, mind and soul. Creating an opportunity for one to reconnect to the Creator of this place... and all that is in it. I also believe children should play in the mud and the rain, know where their food comes from and the effort it takes to produce it.

Isaiah said it this way "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." When we first arrived here, the wind was something... it still is, but this verse came to mind... along with the name. It fit us... it fit me... and it has a special meaning that I am sure is still being revealed.

This blog is a journal of sorts, a sharing of our journey... of how I arrived to this heart place. I hope you will join me and maybe glean a little faith cultivation or find some collections of hope. Either way, I pray this is a growing place and I am grateful you stopped by.