Advent meditation: Hope
A self-sowing seed begins in the light. It holds on for as long as it can, but then weather changes, time passes, and nutrients fade. …
farming
a psalm of thanksgiving
from my new book Growing Grace: A Book of Psalms Celebrating Creation Preorder here God of Bounty, We offer thanksgiving to you in this season of …
sermon: Farmer Boy and resting in the spirit
I shared this sermon at our contemplative service a handful of years ago during Mental Health Awareness Month in the UMC (May). In honor of …
lessons learned: peaceful goats, peaceful spirit
As many of you know, I raise chickens–only a few at a time–and they have taught me many lessons about friendship, joy, loss and tenderness. …
wintering
I’ve put the gardens to bed and shored up the chicken coop. I’ve stored the tools and stacked the pots behind the shed. I’ve left …
well, it’s about time
Several weeks ago, I was sharing a story with a friend, and she noted, “Well, it’s about time!” And in one way, she was right–our …
sanctuary
You are my shelter, O eternal One–my soul’s sanctuary! Psalm 31: 1 (The Voice) This week, I have been on vacation. Having closed out my …
dirty knees? yes, please
w The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. ~George Bernard Shaw, The Adventures of the Black …
lessons learned: tomato cages and friendship
Last night, I had the honor of presenting to a United Methodist Women’s unit in Spartanburg, SC. In my time there, I was reminded of …
feb 2017, dear cameron. . .
February 2017 Dear Cameron, I know you are busily approaching Spring 2017 with much excitement and anticipation of a full summer garden. You are dreaming …
a story to tell
After I arrived home from work tonight, I journeyed my away around the gardens. It is amazing how an early afternoon shower then warm sun …
wintering
I’ve put the gardens to bed and shored up the chicken coop. I’ve stored the tools and stacked the pots behind the shed. I’ve left …
lessons learned: country girls and laying hens
This morning, I trudged out in the dark to the chicken coop. I was up earlier than usual so I could get my daughter to …
St. Catherine of Siena’s Rest in Prayer
The sun hears the fields talking about effort and the sun smiles, and whispers to me, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for I am …
tomatoes: dehydrating or drying for summer year ’round
There is nothing I like more than throwing a handful of sundried tomatoes into a dish to add a bit of tangy punch and a …
lessons learned: tomato cages and friendship
The past couple of months, I have experienced the unconditional care and support of friends. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you find people who take …
lessons learned: the benefits of a good soaking
It has been dry here the past couple of weeks, and my gardens have begun to suffer a bit. New seed starts wither and sunflowers …
lessons learned: take rest
I wrote this one several years ago, and as I sit here this morning engaged in some time of self care, I thought I would …
prayer and preparation for Earth Day
i thank You God for most this amazing day:for leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which …
sugar snap peas: Nature’s candy
This year, I planted my sugar snaps along a privacy fence with some homemade tomato cages I unhooked to create long latices for them to …
gentle gardeners and creation care~a meditation for Earth Day
As Earth Day approaches, I have been revisiting some of my blog posts on creation care. I wrote this one a couple of years ago …
lessons learned: seed starts and waiting
If you read this blog occasionally, you know that one of my mantras is “just be.” I find in life there are many lessons I …
holding a little piece of creation in your hands
This weekend, I will begin some indoor starts for spring and summer veggies and herbs. It is quite possibly one of my favorite activities on …
this season, let’s thanks-give
Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. ~W.J. Cameron Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day. ~Robert Caspar Lintner …
growing grace farm’s cinnamon honey applesauce
You know Mother Nature, she is bountiful one season then rests the next. Last year, we had not a one apple on any of the …
lessons learned: putting the gardens to bed
Yesterday, my daughter and I updated our kitchen calendar with events for the next couple of months. In the corner, I noted some projects I …
let’s hear it for the girls: raising girls who know how to homestead
In the past two weeks my 15-year-old has made me so proud as a homesteading mama. On a weekend afternoon, she decided she was going …
drying tomatoes for a taste of summer all year round
Last year, I came across some yellow roma tomatoes at the farmers’ market. I bought a bagful, dried them, and saved some seed. This year, …
tips for your next trip to the farmer’s market
So you’ve found your local market, and you’re ready to head out–what’s next? Give yourself plenty of time! There’s so much to see and explore. …
lessons learned: tomato cages and friendship
The past couple of months, I have experienced the unconditional care and support of friends. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you find people who take …
lessons learned: on growth, gardening boots, and grace
As I squatted by the trellis yesterday to plant more sugar snap peas, I looked down at the boots I was wearing. I’ve had them …
Easter and new life on the farm
Today, I am spending some time outside in the gardens reflecting on Easter, new life and creation. January seed starts are ready to be transplanted. …
recipe: growing grace farm’s kale chips
I love to hear my child exclaim “Yay!” when I announce I am making kale chips. As thin and crispy as regular chips, we love …
babying the berries–tips for springtime care
Two years ago, my out-of-control wineberry bushes began bullying my blueberry plants. In an effort to call them off, I trimmed and tugged until the …
10 ways to turn off the technology and turn on nature
With the advent of Spring, I thought this one might be appropriate to repost. Happy Saturday~cameron So last night, our Just Be women’s group met …