Season of Winter

For the past several years, the holidays arrive with all their activities and then the New Year in which we celebrate a fresh start…  January.  The month of my birth, so another celebration to look forward too.  However, something has changed in me.  While I've battled ongoing health challenges for years, a new "phenomenon" has settled in.  By the end of the first week of the New Year, my body is exhausted, shaky, muscles extremely tight, my eyes weary. No matter what I do to support or encourage my body, winter settles in for a stretch and my body wants to be "dormant" or go into some type of "hibernation."   And, I don't like it one bit!  

But, getting frustrated or angry or ……….. doesn't help and likely puts increased pressure on my tired and weak body.  All I can do is embrace it and realize that REST becomes my #1 priority.  If I'm on the computer too long (and it's a very short time frame that my eyes will function on here), I feel woozy and my neck muscles tighten up and my throat feels a bit constricted.  Sleeping longer hours or naps are a must.  Today, I got up with Blaine for our morning devotions, ate some breakfast after he left and went back to bed (around 6:30 am) and while I woke up a few times through the morning, my body did not want to wake up until around 11:30.  And now, I'm heating up leftover red lentil cauliflower curry to bring warmth to my body…  I'll walk the dog and take a shower and rest again.  Short walk with Blaine (after work) and rest this evening.  And repeat this routine daily for who knows how long.  

But He (the Lord) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

Can't say I enjoy "boasting," as Paul did, but I am sharing the reality of my journey - but if I encourage or help one other person then so be it!  However, he does tell me that in sharing my weakness, Christ's power is made stronger in me and I welcome it! So should you.  During the winter season, I rest in Christ that His power is made all the more in me.  I don't want to journey through this life in my own strength, but in His.  And yet, I am so often reminded that the world tells us we must be useful and productive.  The world has little use for someone like me.  I have seasons where I can accomplish much.  I also have seasons where I can "accomplish" little by the world's standards. 

There is little time for rest, wouldn't you agree?  What if the world has it backward?  What if we're looking at the world and this life upside down?  Or through rose-colored glasses?  

One of my maple trees in dormancy last winter

We can look at the natural world.  Some would say that plants and trees are "dead" in the winter.  While they have no active growth happening on the surface (that most see with the naked eye, although signs of life may be there), much is happening below the surface and underground (in the soil).

This visual example brings much hope and excitement to me as I live in acceptance of this "weakened" season in my own life when January arrives.  Maybe it's SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and I need more light. Living in the Pacific Northwest (and I know of some people that leave for sunshine and the tropics for a time during our dreary winter months) can be very challenging.  I've had some professionals encourage me to move to a sunnier climate, but my Lord has not directed me to do so.  For today, I don't have answers.  I am thankful I have a Heavenly Father who does and that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our helper, our counselor, our teacher, our physician to help us here. 

And daily, I give thanks to God for Blaine.  My husband, my best friend, my supporter and encourager, my warrior.  I don't know how I'd make it through the winter season each year without his love and prayer support.  He is truly a priceless treasure and blessing from God to me!

And, come Spring, buds will burst forth and then tender, young leaves.  Soon, the tree will leaf out fully and eventually form seed pods.  When Autumn arrives once again, the tree will showcase great beauty…  Hope.  New life just below the surface.

Usually by mid-February, I begin to sense an increased level of energy in my body and I begin to come out of the weakened, fuzzy state that has been my existence for several weeks.  I feel alive once more.  

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  John 12:24

While, I don't consume wheat any longer - this example is not lost on me.  Sunflowers.  One seed produces countless seeds.  Trying planting one and experience it for yourself.

You could plant corn, amaranth, quinoa…  Plant a seed of a plant that produces seed and then count the number of seeds from that one plant.  

I continually stand amazed.

And this verse above, it's really teaching us that we must die to self in order for our lives to produce many seeds of blessing for others.  Our Lord works through our lives to touch others lives, if we allow Him to.

And in the midst of choosing Christ.  Trusting God.  Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide, direct and use my life for Kingdom purposes.  Learning Eucharisto.  Giving thanks. Seeking Joy. My heart is also greatly saddened by loss too.  Even in this, I choose God.

Today, I am reminded that we must carefully consider what choices we make.  Years ago, when I heard this song - I Surrender All by Clay Crosse - I chose to sing those words in a prayer to God.  Even though it has been costly in my life and I have often thought, "What did I do?," I just listened to the song again (and you can listen to it by clicking on the song link above) and while it brought tears to my eyes, I said YES once again…  God is so good.

Atti, Bo Peep, Little Red and Sussy enjoying a sugar pumpkin last January.  How I miss my girls.  They were a reason (a purpose) to get out of bed every morning, even when I was at my weakest….  

And, I believe.  I trust, that one day, God will restore Joy Bell Farm and chickens to our lives.

May our amazing and wonderful Lord bless you and keep you today.  May He make His face shine upon you…  You are loved.

Desires of your heart!

Delight yourself in the Lord;

And He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

Yesterday, I took a risk and shared from my heart.  Today, God blesses me in a special way and I know - once again - He's watching out for me and has a good plan for my life...

I nearly squealed when Coco and I started back toward home from the Woodland Park Zoo and I discovered these special girls.  We had walked by here before, but had not seen them.  Such an absolutely delightful treasure to find today!

These girls were so friendly and interacted with me.  I was nearly in "chicken heaven."  What a gift to my heart and spirit and a smile for my face.  PURE JOY!

DESIRES OF YOUR HEART - click this link and discover what God's Word says.

....and then, near the end of our walk, I discover a creative garden idea.  Thanks Lord!

Great encouragement today!  Hope you receive encouragement, as well.  

Abundant blessings!

The Summer of 2013

This picture sums up our summer!

Ups and downs and twists and turns - not knowing which way was up at times and wondering if this crazy ride would ever end...  Hair raising, sick-to-your-stomach, certain you are "going to die", completely out-of-control and having to trust that nothing bad will happen.  Yep, it was one of those kinds of summers for our family.  

Now, this was not the kind of summer we had planned at all.  We had a totally different picture in our minds:

Quiet.  Slower paced.  Idyllic....  Country living every day.  

Joy Bell Farm ~ from dream to reality

We prepared to transition our 7 years experience of building an urban farm toward building an organic, biodynamic permaculture production farm on acreage...

When suddenly, God interrupted our plans and asked if I would lay it all down and move back up into the city....and I said, "Yes, Lord."  And, upon sharing with Blaine and spending time in prayer, we were in agreement that it is the direction God is having us go.

From a growing season that rejoiced with early harvests due to incredible summer weather in Seattle (although the heavy rains that arrived in June ruined the strawberry crop) to hoping to sign a long term farm lease in Olympia to searching and searching and searching some more for a rental house in familiar Seattle neighborhoods.... Returning after 14 years away.  Wow!  This summer has held beautiful blessings and tearful goodbyes (and more to come still).

Where this has been the norm:

And now, with our foreclosure auction set for August 30th (oh, how we hope people do their homework and discover the serious environmental impact of this neighborhood and the underground water issue and how it has undermined the foundation of this house), we are not only packing up our belongings, but I am also giving away my entire garden.  I've kept just a few small pots and two of my dear maple trees...

This is going with me.  I couldn't bear to leave all my beautiful soil behind... 

Knowing soon, we will be seeing this in our new neighborhood:

And, I will have to trade this:

....and, eventually, this ~ 

For this:

Becoming a volunteer with Seattle Tilth and assist with garden classes (and in various ways they can utilize my service - events, in the office, etc) ...

Plus, visiting local Farmers Markets to purchase local, organic produce

...and find sources for local eggs, chicken, beef and pork

And, make this and Metro buses my main forms of transportation...

Instead of a car trunk, I will have panniers on my bike.

And, I will certainly continue my role in cheering on (and supporting) our local farmers.  You'll find me delivering farm guides every spring for Cascade Harvest Coalition!

In the midst of loss and laying down my farm dream, I am eagerly and excitedly embracing this new season/new lifestyle ahead of me.  And, I am so ready to learn more of who God is, what He desires to do through my life in sharing His love with others and to continually discover the wonders He has done.  

My people, hear my teaching;

    listen to the words of my mouth.

² 

I will open my mouth with a parable;

    I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

³ 

things we have heard and known,

    things our ancestors have told us.

⁴ 

We will not hide them from their descendants;

    we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

    his power, and the wonders he has done.  Psalm 78:1-4

And, praying that scripture shared with us, as we take a big step of faith into this new season of our lives, is truly evident, in some measure, daily!

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
   because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
   to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
   and release to the prisoners; 
² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
   and the day of vengeance of our God;
   to comfort all who mourn; 
³ to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
   to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
   the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. 
⁴ They shall build up the ancient ruins,
   they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
   the devastations of many generations.
Isaiah 61:1-4 

Phillips, Craig and Dean sang a song that is still a favorite of mine.  So I guess, it's really time to:  Let go of the wheel, take a reckless ride of faith!

I'm ready!  Are you?

Steps of faith

God Calling: June 29 ~ My Will - Your Joy

Our Lord and our God. Lead us; we beseech Thee. Lead us and keep us.

You can never go beyond My Love and Care. Remember that. No evil can befall you. Circumstances I bless and use must be the right ones for you.

But I know always that the first step is to lay your will before Me as an offering, ready that I shall do what is best, sure that, if you trust Me, what I do for you will be best.

Your second step is to be sure, and to tell me so, that I am Powerful enough to do everything ("The hearts of kings are in My rule and governance"), that no miracle is impossible with me ("With God all things are possible" and I and My Father are one).

Then leave all with Me. Glad to leave all your affairs in a Master Hand. Sure of safety and protection. Remember you cannot see the future. I can.

You could not bear it. So only little by little can I reveal it to you. Accept My Will and it will bring you joy.

Taking steps of faith, as God leads us forward!

He is able!

God Calling:  June 22:  YOUR RED SEA

Go forward fearlessly.

Do not think about the Red Sea that lies ahead.

Be very sure that when you come to it the waters will part and you will pass over to your promised land of freedom.

We're believing and expecting miracles, Lord.  You are so able!

5939 Shincke Rd NE, Olympia, WA

We are asking God for this land ~ believing He has led us to this place.  Our dream + His story!

Theme God gave us for 2013:  Hope, Health and a Future...open to possibilities.

Be gloried, Lord God.  This is all about YOU!

A Promise!

God Calling: June 19: The Success You Covet

(definition of covet: yearn to possess or have)

Follow the path of obedience. It leads to the Throne of God. Your treasure, be it success necessary on the material plane, which will further the work of My Kingdom, or the hidden spiritual wonders revealed by Me to those only who diligently seek, this treasure lies at the end of the track.

From one point (a promise of Mine or a Command) to the next, you have to follow, till finally your reach the success you covet.

All your work for the moment is in the material plane and the spiritual is only to help the material. When your material goal is reached then the material will serve only to attain the spiritual.

Amen and amen! Our dream = His story! Discovering and sharing the countless wonders of God's Creation with countless people. We're ready, Lord!

“The best is always yet to be with God. Everything you have ever dreamed or longed for, will be.” – Oswald Chambers, from Run Today’s Race in The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers

May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May He make His face shine upon you.  

Abundant blessings today and always...  Joanie

Dreaming Big or Big Dreams?

We believe in a BIG God who is able to do BIG THINGS!

I have always been a dreamer...  Some might say to a fault.  I encourage others to follow their dreams; believing God has placed a passion in their lives for His purposes.  And, I have a big dream that, one day, I will be a farmer.  You could say that we're Farmer Girl and Chef Boy. Food Forest Rangers.  Lovers of God's Creation and the countless wonders He has created for us to enjoy here on earth.  Whatever we're called, this we know...

...we have 2 days left to give a landowner a decision about one of his land holdings.  We are believing that God will provide, even to the last hour.  

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. NIV James 1:6

Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. NAS Mark 11:23

And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. NAS Matthew 21:21

Below are 4 images from Google Earth showing where the farm property is located.  We are praying God will give us this land; enabling us to realize our longtime dream and to continue telling His story!  

Woodard Bay Conservation Area is just to the north.

The area south of Woodard Bay Rd NE, the lake and the green pasture area is 96 acres of additional wildlife refuge that was once part of a 101 acre cattle ranch.

The pasture and forested area across the street is 95 acres owned by WSU.

The thin white line just to the left of the lake (and extends north and south) is the Chehalis Western Trail (non-motorized, preserving a piece of history for this area).

You can see a section of the Chehalis Western Trail on the left edge of this photo.  

If you look closely, you can see the border around the farm at 5939 Shincke Rd NE.

There is a wetland area surrounding the lake.  

Nearly the entire property is covered by a wetland buffer.  

The WSU pasture field is to the right of the roadway.

5939 Shincke Rd NE, Olympia

Street view of the buildings ~ none of the buildings have been maintained in recent times and in need of restoration at some level; especially the garage and barn.

Because of the wetland buffer issues, no new building permits will ever be allowed for the property.  All current buildings must be rehabilitated to preserve them.

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 

NAS Psalm 37:4

May our awesome and amazing Lord provide for your every need and may you know His love and grace each and every day.  Abundant blessings!

Dreaming Big or Big Dreams?  Yes.  Nothing is too hard for our God.

Lord, we thank You and praise You for Joy Bell Farm.  
This may be our dream, but it is Your story.  Be glorified!

Praying for a farm ~ for us!

An opportunity has come to us regarding a 5 acre farm property in Olympia. We were on the verge of a 3 year farm lease when the owner called today and told us he's gotten "cold feet". He is now giving us the option to buy it. We have until June 20th to give him an answer.

As most of you know, God has removed our "human ability" to make our farm dream happen. Last year, we discovered that the park just north of our home is actually a wetland that was filled in years ago. The outlet for the wetland is an underground stream that flows under our backyard (and through many back yards) and drains out of the front yard of a home a block away. The moving water significantly compromised the foundation of our house and garage with a $50,000 repair price. Already being underwater in our house for nearly $100,000 - after alot of prayer, we determined our home wasn't a good financial investment and we are allowing our house to be returned to the bank. One of the most difficult decisions ever, but we have had peace that this is our path to follow. Don't feel bad for us. We believe it's all part of our faith journey. Our prayer is that the next owner doesn't find out about the problems after buying the house when we leave. (House goes up for auction, August 30th.)

No. We're not asking anyone for money. We are asking for PRAYER! This is God's story. If Joy Bell Farm is to become an actual farm, we believe God will provide the necessary resources. We are seeking family, friends and others to pray from today through June 20th.

What we desire to create on this 5 acre property, established in 1917 (the homestead to a larger ranch originally) ~ build a polyculture, biodynamic, organic farm system utilizing permaculture principles. And, this property is special because it's just south of Woodard Bay Conservation Area (home to herons, eagles, bats and more) and is surrounded by 95 additional acres of a wildlife refuge. WSU own 95 acres across the street. A wetland area is adjacent to a portion of the property and a wetland buffer sits over nearly the entire 5 acres of the property. We've had a representative from Thurston Conservation District out to the property. Everything we desire to do on the property - fruits, veggies, nuts, eggs, meat birds, honey, sheep (meat/fiber) and on-farm market stand are all permitted as "usual and customary practices". NO additional buildings will ever be allowed, so existing buildings must be rehabilitated for all needs. There is a private well for all water needs for this property. There is plenty of roof space on the barn for a large rainwater catchment system in addition to establishing a solar energy system for electrical needs (although the Conservation District agent thinks we're crazy). We do welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Conservation District in working out a farm plan (land management stewardship) for the property, as this isn't about us achieving our farm dream, but about establishing a permanent agriculture farm working in harmony with the ecological systems it is part of and for future generations to come after us. We are believing God will give us this land and enable us to share His countless wonders with others.

Our eyes are very open to the realities on this farm property - a ton of work to do. Not only do we have to rehab the land and build proper soil fertility (only organically), but the house, barn and outbuildings all need major work. The land owner has done NOTHING to this property since purchasing it a number of years ago. It's been a rental and 2 horses that are boarded on one pasture have caused compaction of the soil in that area. This farm would be years of investment. We know that, but believe this is the piece of land God has for us to steward in our years ahead, but also for the future.

Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Please consider joining with us. We'd love to have you PRAY with us. We are excited to see how God will unfold this part of His story in our lives. Yes, No or maybe (keep praying) are all possible answers ~ we praise Him for this opportunity to walk by faith and not by sight.

And, PLEASE feel free to share this with others and invite them to join in and PRAY with us! This is about creating community - not just Blaine and Joan.

Abundant blessings on your day!

Snapshot of my life...

Today, our amazing and wonderful Lord blessed me with an incredible gift as I went about my daily garden work...  He enabled me to capture a couple of shots that represent "my life" and my heart is overflowing with great JOY!

Bo Peep and garden harvest 

Life of a city farm girl who dreams of the day she might become a country farm girl...

...and yet, so very thankful she is that "farm girl" right now!

Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Pure Delight!

Bo Peep, Atti and Sussy

Left to Right

Such a sweet blessing each day!  

And, I am sure to thank each one of them for their precious gifts that they worked so hard to create and deliver...  

Scenes from my garden this week...

It is a little miracle each time I discover an egg in the nesting box.

...and I pause to give thanks to God for His provision and thanks for the hen who labored to lay it.

Thank you Bo Peep for all your hard work and effort!

Huge kohlrabi!

Truly huge! (Same kohlrabi that is pictured above)

I've still got several more this size in the garden...

Sliced kohlrabi makes a tasty hamburger bun, especially when you've got your own pickles too. (Had a little smoked goat cheese in there too.) 

Sussy is such a busy "bug hunting" girl.

Under the black raspberries is her favorite spot right now.

The girls working in the recently trimmed up strawberry bed.

The view I see when I "tuck" the girls in each night...

Keeping an eye on their Chicken Mama working up on the hill.

Good thing Sussy is such a good digger...

Girls all nestled down in their dirt bath holes for a cool afternoon siesta!

First green bean harvest of the season!  

Black raspberries, blackberries, snow peas, green beans, broccoli, a small red onion, and garlic scapes...  I love freshly harvested, organic, food we grew ourselves in the garden!


Coming soon to my blog... 2012 Chicken coop tour photos.