"Glorifying God through love, service, and the joy of homestead living.”
Merry Christmas Reader, we want to thank each of you who support us on our journey to share not only our farm fresh products but our love of the land and all of God's blessings.
Beyond the Barn
Farm activity has settled into a steady winter routine here on the homestead. The last of our meat birds were processed a couple of weeks ago—it was a bit of a challenge keeping them warm and dry. Just before the snow hit, we pulled them out of their tractor on the grass and moved them into our large stock trailer. We bedded it deeply with straw and set up a couple of heat lamps. It wasn't ideal, but it worked beautifully, and the birds thrived.
Danny has been busy cleaning out fence rows, burning brush piles, and bushhogging fields that needed attention before spring. I've been spending a lot of time canning—beyond the ever-popular Christmas Jam that everyone loves, I've been stocking up on chicken bone broth. Beef broth is next on the list. I love its rich flavor sipped warm in a coffee cup for all those health benefits, or added to anything I'm cooking (like pasta) for extra protein and depth. But my absolute favorite is bone broth hot chocolate—yes, it sounds odd, but our oldest daughter, Courtney, introduced us to this cozy treat!
Recipe: 1 cup bone broth, ½ cup milk of your choice, 2 Tbsp cacao powder, 1.5 Tbsp pure maple syrup, and your favorite toppings.
Farm Fresh Finds
Available This Week:
- Chickens: A big thank you—we've sold most of our Christmas gift bundles! We still have some breasts, thighs, and drumsticks available, plus plenty of backs and bones perfect for making your own broth.
- Specialty Items: Christmas Jam, Grape Jelly, and Pear Honey are still in stock. Soaps are running low, but chicken feet remain abundant. We're sold out of honey for the year.
Lessons from the Land
We spend our days observing the winter coats thickening on the cows, watching the grass slow its growth into dormancy, and noting exactly where the sun's rays fall across the garden. These small details—and a thousand more—are part of farm life. Understanding nature's rhythms is vital out here.
But as someone who also works closely with people as a coach, I notice even deeper connections: how these seasonal cycles mirror our own human rhythms and energy.
“The most ancient spiritual wisdom was centered around the predictable shifts in seasonal energies.” – Joan Borysenko
Yesterday marked the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year and a profound turning point. It invites deep introspection, rest, and acknowledgment of darkness, while celebrating the rebirth of light, hope, and new beginnings as days slowly lengthen again.
This sacred pause is the perfect time to reflect on the past year, grieve losses, release old burdens, and quietly plant seeds for what's ahead—without pressure or rush.
And this is exactly the kind of work I love guiding people through as a coach: reflection that brings clarity, intention-setting that aligns with your deepest values, and practical planning and goal-setting that turns vision into reality. Helping folks move from "stinking thinking" to self-awareness and forward momentum is one of the greatest joys of what I do.
Practices to carry forward:
- Meditation & reflection: Quiet the mind and journal your insights.
- Set meaningful intentions and goals, then create a simple plan—calendar your year ahead.
- Cultivate self-awareness to recognize and release thought patterns that no longer serve you.
Homestead How-To
Quick holiday time-savers:
- Batch-cook bone broth now and freeze in portions—pull it out for instant flavor (or that cozy hot chocolate) all winter.
- Keep a "gift stash" basket with your homemade jams, jellies, and soaps for last-minute hostess gifts or neighbor surprises.
- Prep a double batch of your favorite cookie dough, scoop onto trays, and freeze unbaked—bake fresh as needed for instant warmth and aroma.
Community Corner
Let's keep supporting our local makers this season! We still have products available at G’s Boutique in downtown Boonville, but take time to wander the shops in both Boonville and Blackwater—there are so many unique, handmade treasures perfect for gifting (or treating yourself).
A Word of Faith
A few days ago, I was in the kitchen cleaning up, still in my chore clothes—black long underwear, T-shirt, socks, and ball cap—when the dogs started barking. An unfamiliar truck pulled into the driveway. My first reaction was irritation: I was mid-task, far from presentable, and here was a stranger interrupting my day.
Two impeccably dressed women walked up the sidewalk. When I opened the door, they introduced themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses and mentioned the barking dogs. In a less-than-welcoming tone, I pointed out the risk of driving unannounced to a remote country home and noted our no-trespassing signs.
As they shared their message, I assured them I knew the Lord but struggled with organized religion. I'd actually spent a solid hour that morning in Scripture, reading and listening. So I paused—and listened to them. We discussed differences and common ground in Bible teachings, even non-canonical texts. Even though we did not fully agree I commented about how great it was that we could have these discussions, I wished them well and they went on their way.
I believe deeply that we need to share our testimonies and spread the word so that all may know the love of Jesus and the teachings of God. Wherever God has placed us, the Holy Spirit can help us share the message of salvation with those He puts in our path.
But are we always open to receiving His message through others?
I say this because a yesterday as I read the passage in Isaiah 52:4-10.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.” ~ Isaiah 52:7
I was humbled to tears as I remembered those two ladies—and how I'd greeted them without love, compassion, or true openness. Irritation, pride, and ego had stepped in first. Yes, there are differences, but ultimately we believe the same that God is supreme and as humans we have so much to learn about being truly loving and openly sharing his teachings.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, let's reflect: Who has shared the gospel with you? And more importantly, who might God be calling you to share your faith with this week?
Dear God, please give us all courage to tell others about Jesus—and hearts open to receive Your message however it arrives. Amen.
Thank you for being part of our farm family! We’re grateful for your support and pray you find joy in the simple, faithful life.
With love and service,
Deana & Danny Joe
We Believe in Working Hard, with Integrity & Sharing God's Gifts
