Give-a-way

(Be sure and read all but the give-a-way information is at the bottom)



"I haven't met anyone recently who speaks of their desire for a faster pace to life with more events on their calendar. No, most desire simplicity. This, perhaps, is the reason why Christian fiction has exploded with novel after novel on the lives of the Amish and Mennonite communities. Some writers have even based their entire career on this specialized genre. Not to be left out, non-fiction readers can find books of essays extolling the virtues and exposing the vices of the ways of life of the Amish and Mennonite, inspirational books of daily wisdom from the simple life, and pictorial journeys through life at the reins of a buggy."

"Readers desire a glimpse at something so different, so foreign, yet, so entirely familiar and comforting. The live-off-the-land lifestyle seems to have all the answers to the worries of this life. It seemingly relieves the stresses of mounting fuel and grocery prices, increasing rates of national obesity, and the clouded world of politics. As with any story, though, there are two sides. Viewing simple living from both sides of the barn is what demystifies the romantic notions of the fictional "depiction and illuminates the true nature of what it means to "go simple."

"To some, the point of view of dinner coming from the backyard instead of the corner grocery is heaven. To others, it is horror. Having at your disposal acre upon acre of fertile land crowded with crisp lettuces, stalks of sweet corn, beans climbing so high you need a step ladder to get to the top, and fresh eggs waiting to become your next omelet is the stuff of bliss or not. Maybe it is just an endless list of chores. Perhaps the draw is the encompassing sense of community and connection. Everyone wants to be around likeminded people. The Amish and Mennonite embody community. The downside is that individuality is squelched and secrets have no place among the brethren. If ever you wanted firsthand accounts of the life of the plain people, you have opened the right newsletter…."

New Giveaway!
We're helping one winner find the true nature of simple life with the first of our all new giveaways with a prize pack worth over $70!

Enter to Win:
1. "A Journey Home" from Franklin Springs Media
2. NEW BOOK - "Beside Still Waters" by Tricia Goyer
3. Well Planned Day Planner, 2011-2012
4. 1 year subscription to Home Educating Family Magazine

Contest Dates: June 23, 2011 through June 30, 2011.
One entry per person unless you share this contest. Let us know where you shared, and we'll give you a second entry! Be specific so we can verify it for your entry.

http://www.wellplannedday.com/contest01.php

Weeding is Quality Time? You bet!

It has been so hot here lately. I have not had my period of adjusting to the heat like I usually do, so basically I just haven’t adjusted. We have just focused on inside activities, school, cleaning, lots of reading. So, when do we get the “quality time” of the summer? During my favorite time of the day, about 6 pm. The sun isn’t scorching. The animals are all lying around the yard cooling off from the day. The kids are laughing on the swing set. And major heart to heart talks are going on in the garden with Craig. It is amazing what a little “weed pulling” can bring out in a relationship.

Garden Time Again

It is that time again. We have once again planted a garden and since my amazing hubby can help out this year we have tripled the size of last years’ garden. Wow, am I glad he can help because just looking at it makes me want to run inside and hide under the covers. I know the work involved in keeping a garden so I am sometimes intimidated by it, being a former city girl and all. Last year hubby prepared the raised beds and said “have at it.” I was thrown into the art of gardening. This year we have made it a family affair with everyone in the family working in the garden.

It is work but I know how satisfying it is to watch how the Lord provides food and all he requires is a little work on our part. So, here are some pictures from the preparation of the garden, which started at the end of March, until the first tiny signs of production this first week in June.