diligence

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A garden full of character

Today was gardening day, which means that I spent the afternoon with my friend Nina. 

We planted okra, corn, radishes, cucumbers, and spinach. 

It was also cool to see that the veggies we planted last time are coming along nicely. 

Next time I head out there I will snap a few photos to show you. Nina’s beans are coming in and the bean plant’s flowers are beautiful!

Of course, getting to dig around in the dirt is always fun as well as chats about anything and everything as Nina and I get the work done. 

Seeing Nina’s love of gardening, of establishing a strong homestead, inspires me. She’s truly passionate–this is not a passing fad for her. 

There’s a lot to be learned about sticking something out even during times of failure. Not all of Nina and Jeff’s homesteading adventures worked out at first, yet they kept learning, kept trying. 

Persistence, focus, and dedication are traits that are often discussed but rarely lived out.  

And the fruits of their strong character are evident to me as I look around their farm. 

I am blessed to have friends who are teaching me through their example. 

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Halfway there

I just hit the 6 month mark of daily blogging. 

Hard to believe all that can take place in 6 months….

Thanks for going on this journey with me. 

I told you when I started that a blog is pretty much a journal if no one reads it. 

You guys have encouraged me so much and I can’t wait to see what the next 6 months holds. 

I move to Tulsa on Friday. It’s cool to think about documenting my time at Rhema. There’s a lot to take in and sharing it with you will make the experience much richer. 

Once again, thanks for your love and support. 

This goal that seemed impossible 6 months ago is now halfway over. 

I’m learning that most limitations are self-imposed. 

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Good Soil Matters

Dirt is the most important part of gardening.

It doesn’t matter how good your seed is if the soil quality is poor. I know of gardeners and farmers who pay big bucks to up the quality of their soil.

What makes good dirt? Nice, loamy soil is always desired over soil with an overabundance of clay.

Loamy is a fancy word for light and fluffy. A more technical way to describe “loamy” is soil that is nutrient rich and not too hard so that it can easily receive moisture.

Are you wondering why I am describing good soil? There is a point, I promise! I’ve seen many people, families, and other organizations described using gardening terms. It’s really the best example because you see the results of good and bad gardening conditions all around you—even if you don’t garden yourself.

How often have you heard someone refer to the importance of good foundations? Probably a lot. Goodness knows I have!

The soil in a garden matters.The “why” behind our decisions matters. Making poor decisions is the same as planting seeds in poor soil. The results will always be less than desirable.

Mediocrity can be defined as careless, ill-planned, and poorly executed plans that lead to a careless, ill-planned, and poorly executed life.

I know of people who spend more time picking out their clothes than they do on major decisions such as work, family, and money.

Mediocre gardens and people are everywhere. Both can be easily spotted out because poor quality is always noticeable.

That’s not the kind of life I want to have.

Pay attention to your soil, the “why” behind what you do. Fruitfulness is the reward of the diligent.