December 4, 2022
Good Morning!
It's much quieter around here. No weeds to pull. No plants or seeds to be put in the ground. The feeding and watering chores for the animals are lighter, having processed our last 200 meat birds of 2022. Now we just make sure that water doesn't freeze for the layers and that our stables are warm for Bethel (our Jersey), the goats and sheep, Nacho (the mini-donkey), three cats and two kittens. Easy-peasy!
This weekend I canned another large batch of bone broth and soup, as well as several quarts of kimchi. I do this to stock up on the good medicine for any sick days ahead and to help restore our bodies after a hard season. Being tucked in for the winter means time to repair what the busy season stripped away - both inside and out.
These days on the farm, we spend much time looking back on the blessings and bounty of 2022 - the many gifts and graces given, so that we can prepare for the good work ahead. Our farm-focus mirrors the mindset of Advent - the season of reflective preparation - remembering Christ's birth and promised return. A tradition is lighting four candles each week leading to Christmas. Each candle represents four virtues: hope, love, joy and peace.
This week, we reflect on hope. We understand hope to be the expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Hope requires waiting - not aimlessly. Hope expects a specific outcome, though we may not know all the specifics of how and why. Patience is produced through this waiting and that's how we maintain our hope. Oh the joy of hope. Those who have hope are happy. They can look forward, dream and imagine. It does take courage and persistence to have hope. You don't give up on hope. At times, there seems to be just clouds overhead and the promise of rain seems to tarry. However, if you wait, the deep, penetrating work of patience keeps you, so you may abound in hope and be showered in every good blessing.
Until next week,
Mrs. Farmer Jones
Romans 8:24-25 ~ For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 12:12 ~ Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
SEASON FINALE
Christmas on the Farm is SOLD OUT. On Friday, December 23, we look forward to an incredible experience with guests bringing in their family and out-of-town friends for a festive celebration throughout the farm. We've added a lighted tree walk and hay-wagon rides.
PRE-SEASON SALE
We hope you'll consider the gift of a Locavore-experience by gifting a seat at our table and time spent on our farm.
We are offering an exclusive sale on five dates in 2023. Each ticket is $30-off per person (WAS $155 NOW $125 per person). This discount will last until we post our official 2023 schedule. 2023 Dates: May 13, June 24, July 8, August 12, September 23, and October 7.
