God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,

He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

(2 Corinthians 8-11, The Message)

Guest Post

This week’s guest post is by Krista, who blogs at The Garden Gourmet

In an age long past the industrial revolution, it is still the humble farmer that feeds the world. The first occupation as decreed by God is arguably still the most valuable to man. Without our farmers, where would we be? A time when everyone toiled in the fields is long past. We live in a society of concrete canyons and postage stamp neighborhoods, global trade and fingertip information. Foods are now packaged, processed and shipped from all over the world to meet the demands of consumers. Large commercial farms are often disconnected from the land and the job that God put forth.

Our small farmlands are being bought up to make way for progress. Progress of what? What is more progressive than living a fulfilled life in the way of God? Even those who have been raised around local farms often take for granted that which modern society has made common place. Not until we start opening our eyes and looking around us, do we see what is taking place. Not until we read the word of God, do we realize how far we have strayed. 2 Corinthians 9:10a “For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat.”

I grew up in a family of small farmers, on land that had been passed down through generations, slowly being eaten away by “progress.” Highways came through and took our fields. Industry slowly crept in until it was hard to fight anymore. In 2006, the farm was sold in a land deal to make way for a new state-of-the-art hospital. It was one of the hardest things our family ever did, and four years later, many members question the outcome every day. The money was divided among the heirs. A new farm was purchased in the foothills of North Carolina, away from the encroaching cities, in a small community that still boasts the way of the farmer.

My parents purchased a farm that had long been fallow and was heavily wooded, choked out with weeds but with amazing views, potential and a mountain stream gurgling over ancient smooth lava rock. It’s beautiful but it’s not the same. It’s another family’s long lost tradition and history that we are trying to re-establish as our own. It’s hard work. Because my life is still here, on the outskirts of the growing city, I stayed behind, trying to turn my small acreage into a prospering small farm, not willing to start over and clinging to family land (from my Father’s side) and tradition. Isaiah 28:26, 29. “The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding. …The Lord Almighty is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom.” It wasn’t until recently that I started looking at scripture in relation to farming. The Bible is full of wisdom and stories depicting the importance of farming to the people of God. From the mundane verses about weeding to the powerful words of feeding the hungry from your bounty, the bible is pregnant with the toil and work of the faithful farmer. Even when feeling lost and overwhelmed by the weeds, frustrated beyond belief by the abundance and unceasing work, I know by these simple passages that I am doing what I was meant to do. No matter how much I struggle every year, I will do it again and again, because it brings me joy. It brings me closer to God and the earth he created. I am doing the task God first assigned man to do.

Today, there is a slowly growing movement to return to the support of local farms as we have seen in the articles here in the recent weeks. There is a new-found knowledge that using what is locally available and in season is the best thing for your body, your health and your local economy. Just because you don’t grow it, doesn’t mean you don’t participate in the picking, the selecting, and the storing of your area’s harvest to ensure a better way of life for you and your family. Proverbs 6:6-8 “Take a lesson from the ants, …they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.”

This Week’s Challenge

Questions for Reflection (share your response below for any one of these for an entry in this week’s drawing)

We don’t all have to be farmers though to appreciate the work and sacrifice, God’s will and bounty. Farmers may not have jobs that put their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect the people, but they put their lives into feeding the people. Local Farmer’s exhibit the true heart of a people and there are countless ways you can take part in that. CSA’s, Farmer’s Markets, Pick-Your-Own Farms, and Farm Stands just to name a few. In what ways do you feel connected to your local farmers?

Challenge to Action (post on your blog and add a link below to the specific post about this challenge or post a second comment below before Friday for an additional entry into this week’s drawing).

• Kitchen Gardens are becoming a popular trend for the non-farmers. Consumers are using small areas the size of flowerbeds, corners of backyards, and large containers on apartment patios to grow a few vegetables to subsidize what can be purchased from local harvests and mass chain stores. It’s not just a budget and health boost though. Growing one tomato plant gives a child an appreciation of where their food comes from and how dependent upon God we are. It may be pop culture, this trend of eating healthy, buying local, and growing your own food, but its more than that. It’s a return to the humble origins of man in the image of God, the simple tasks of life and an order to society filled with love, community, and the basic nature of life. Your challenge? Grow something!
• Your state’s agricultural department should have links to local cooperating farms and markets where you can find and support local harvests. Drive out to the country; I’m sure you will see a farm stand or two. Take part in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture program). Buy something from a local farmer.

Start somewhere, but start. Prov. 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.”

The prize: This week’s prize was generously donated by Kelly who blogs at Quest for Real Food.
“One of the reasons I love to make cloth napkins is because they are super functional and allow the fabrics to speak for themselves. The cool blues and rich creams blended with the celtic motif of this fabric make the switch to cloth napkins that much more appealing.

Benefits of cloth napkins:
*Add style and color to your home for a minimal cost
*Much more gentle on the skin than paper
*Easy to wash (see care instructions)
*And of course eco-friendly

The napkins measure approximately 15″x15” or about 38 cm x 38 cm. The are top-stitched with matching cream thread.

Set of FOUR.

Made using 100% cotton fabric, these napkins can go in the wash just like any other cotton. Line or tumble dry on medium heat. Smooth wrinkles by hand as needed or use high setting on your iron.

For more handmade items, check out my Etsy store.”

The winner of this challenge was Sandy! Congratulations.