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"Glorifying God through love, service, and the joy of homestead living.”

I hope you're starting 2026 feeling rested, energized, and ready for whatever this year has in store!

I just wanted to take a quick moment to say something that's been on my heart... thank you for being part of this community, for supporting us on social media, at the farmers market, and beyond.

Whether you've been on our email list for years, just joined recently, or we've even worked together in a workshop or coaching session—I'm genuinely so grateful you're here!

Every time I get an email reply, see you engage with my content, or hear about how I have helped in some manner, it reminds me why I absolutely love what I do! And know that what you see on social media will always be me—real, unfiltered, and never AI. 🌾🙏

Beyond the Barn

I'm glad things quiet down on the farm in December, giving us space for all those other things that pull at our attention. Besides holiday obligations, there's still plenty of work to do. Many of you might not know everything I juggle beyond the farm and home, so this month "Beyond the Barn" is taking a little side step into "Did You Know" about me...

• Most of you know I'm a coach and consultant, but did you know I am also a professional public speaker?
• I've performed an episiotomy on a goat (farm life, right?).
• I turned 57 in December, and the 300+ well-wishes overwhelmed me so much emotionally that I haven't posted a thing on social media since December 10th.
• I've rappelled off a 4-story building.
• I absolutely love getting up at 4 a.m., reading, and sipping coffee in front of the fire (and sometimes I dance in the kitchen).
• I'm a huge fan of historical fiction.
• I lie outside on my back in the pasture or garden at least once a week, all year round—even in the snow.
• I'm utterly astonished every time someone says they love what I write or speak about.
• Our third grandbaby will be here in less than 2 weeks!
• I miss riding horses.
• I love walking around the farm in the middle of the night under a clear sky—everything looks so different, so magical.

Farm Fresh Finds

We've sold out of beef this winter—thank you for that blessing! HOWEVER, if you're wanting to purchase a quarter or half, I have a couple of local folks who've reached out. One should have some ready by the end of this month. Shoot me an email or text if you (or someone you know) is looking for locally raised beef.

What we have available right now: plenty of chicken backs and bones—perfect for making highly nutritious bone broth or chicken soup. I also have a few packages left of chicken breasts, thighs, legs, wings, livers, and gizzards.

I've got chicken feet, some jams and jellies, and a little soap ready to go (with more soap curing now). We're slowly stocking back up after the wonderful holiday sales. And don’t forget—we still have soap, chicken feet, and jam available at G’s Boutique in the Frederick Hotel in Boonville.

Lessons from the Land

One of the biggest lessons the farm continually teaches me is the absolute importance of planning—both out here on the land and in every area of life.

Why does planning matter so much? Let me expand on that a bit, straight from years of mud, sweat, and unexpected blessings:

• It gives you direction in the chaos. Without a plan, days blur into reacting—fixing broken fences, chasing escaped chickens, or scrambling when supplies run low. A solid plan acts like a compass: it points you toward what truly matters, whether that's rotating pastures for healthier soil, timing plantings for the best harvest, or carving out family time amid the busyness.
• It multiplies your resources. Time, money, energy—they're all finite on a homestead. Planning ahead lets you buy seed in bulk during sales, schedule equipment maintenance before breakdowns, or stagger animal breeding so you're not overwhelmed with babies (or butcher dates) all at once. I've seen small, thoughtful plans turn limited resources into abundance.
• It builds resilience against the unexpected. Weather doesn't ask for your schedule. Markets shift. Life throws curveballs. Good planning includes buffers—extra hay stored, backup income streams, or flexible timelines—so when storms hit (literal or figurative), you're not starting from zero. You're prepared to pivot without panic.
• It turns vision into reality. Dreams of a bigger garden, a new enterprise, or a more peaceful home don't happen by wishful thinking. Planning breaks them into doable steps, making the impossible feel achievable one season at a time.
• And spiritually—it teaches surrender. We can map out every detail, make our lists, and prepare beautifully... but we hold those plans with open hands, knowing God may improve them, redirect them, or even delay them for reasons far wiser than ours. That blend of diligent planning and deep trust? It's where real peace grows.

Flexibility keeps us sane, regular reviewing keeps us on track, and trusting God's timing turns potential frustration into gratitude. Planning isn't about controlling everything—it's about stewarding well what He's entrusted to us.

Homestead How-To

If you want to make real progress this year, start by setting clear farm and home goals. Then make a plan, put it on the calendar, and honor that calendar like an appointment you can't miss.

Break it down:

• Long-term dreams (5–10 years)
• Yearly priorities
• Monthly milestones
• Daily habits

Review and adjust weekly—otherwise, everything stays just a dream.

I'd love to walk alongside you as you do this! Join me for a live 2-hour workshop this month where we'll map out goals, build actionable plans, and set up systems to keep you on track. Reply to this email or message me for details and to reserve your spot.

Community Corner

What would you like to learn about this year? How can I best help you? What new products would you love to see at the farmers market?

Also—mark your calendars! We're planning a small business support meet-up here in Boonville soon. More details coming next newsletter, but let's gather, share wins, and lift each other up.

A Word of Faith

Is it time to reorganize?

Whether you've ended 2025 with big successes or some setbacks, there are likely parts of your life, farm, or business that could use a little reorganizing.

Take some quiet time tomorrow or this weekend—maybe with a journal, your spouse, and an open heart—and ask yourself (and God):

• Who am I right now?
• Where have I come from?
• How did I get here?
• Where do I want to go?
• How can I get there?
• What do I need to let go of?
• What do I want to grow?

We are constantly changing, and we shouldn't be afraid to decide to do something different. For me this year, that looks like honoring time with God each week, resting fully on the seventh day, keeping life simple, and living out his plan for me more intentionally. Even if I am super uncomfortable doing so.

Wishing you a year filled with clarity, growth, and peace as you step into all God has for you in 2026.

With gratitude,

Deana

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10486 Osage Valley Road, Bunceton, Missouri 65237
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