Clearing Land, Growing Livestock Feed, Meat Rabbits, And More With Guest Jordy Buck

On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold is joined by return guest Jordy Buck from NorthernHomesteading.com to discuss clearing wooded land to grow livestock feed, raising rabbits, and more. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 189 – February 14, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Exploring Practical Homesteading with Jordy Buck: An In-Depth Conversation In…

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February 14, 2023

Product Reviews

Reotemp 20 Inch Fahrenheit Backyard Compost Thermometer

The Reotemp 20 Inch Fahrenheit Backyard Compost Thermometer is a thermometer designed for monitoring the temperature of compost piles in a backyard composting setup. This thermometer is 20 inches long and displays the temperature in Fahrenheit. The thermometer is made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion, and features a large, easy-to-read…

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February 13, 2023

Blog - Homesteading, Permaculture, Gardening

How To Build A Garden Planter Box With A Trellis

If you’re limited on gardening space or maybe want to block out some neighbors and get a little privacy in your backyard, then building some planter boxes with trellises may be the way to go. These great additions to the garden are easy to build, inexpensive, and can provide you with a lot of food…

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February 9, 2023

Product Reviews

Farm Innovators Heated Digital Circulated Air Incubator

There are several great incubators on the market and some not so great. The bottom line is, the better ones are more expensive and the extra features do make a difference. The one I have is the Farm Innovators Model Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner and it does everything I need it to do…

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February 7, 2023

The Modern Homesteading Podcast

17 Useful Flowers To Grow On Your Homestead

On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Discuss 17 Useful Flowers You Can Grow On The Homestead. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 188 – February 7, 2023 Listen To The Podcast 17 Useful Flowers To Grow On Your Homestead Calendula (Annual) Direct sow outside or start inside. A pretty little flower…

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February 7, 2023

Blog - Homesteading, Permaculture, Gardening

Why and How to Plant Jerusalem Artichokes in Your Food Forest

If you are looking for an easy to grow, colorful, and nutrient rich plant to add to your food forest then Jerusalem artichoke, also known as Sunchoke, is exactly what you need. Jerusalem artichoke can be harvested for its tubers which can be cooked up like potatoes and provide iron, vitamins, and other health benefits,…

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February 5, 2023

Book Reviews

Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability by David Holmgren

"Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability" is a comprehensive guide to permaculture, a design system for sustainable living and land use. The book, written by David Holmgren, co-originator of permaculture, covers the ethics, and principles of permaculture and how they can be applied in various contexts, from urban to rural and from gardening to community…

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February 5, 2023

Product Reviews

Pallet Buster Deck Wrecker Tool for Disassembling Pallets

The Vergo Pallet Buster Deck Wrecker is a heavy-duty tool designed for breaking down pallets and decks quickly and easily. It features a sturdy steel construction, with a long handle for leverage, and an extended fork that is able to pry apart even the tightest pallet boards. Why You Might Want A Pallet Buster Tool…

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February 2, 2023

Blog - Homesteading, Permaculture, Gardening

5 Common Rainwater Harvesting Problems and How To Fix Them

Harvesting rainwater is an excellent practice for any homestead, but rainwater collection systems aren't without problems. However, there are many solutions to the common issues. 1. Algae Buildup In Water Catchment Here are some steps to address algae buildup in a water catchment system: Increase water circulation Algae thrive in still, warm water. Increasing water…

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February 2, 2023

Book Reviews

The Permaculture Handbook: Valuable for Both Beginners and Experienced Permaculture Practitioners

"The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country" by Peter Bane is a comprehensive guide to permaculture design and living. The book provides a thorough overview of permaculture principles and practices, including soil preparation, water management, plant selection, and animal husbandry. Bane also covers the social and economic aspects of permaculture, such as community…

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February 1, 2023

The Modern Homesteading Podcast

Considering Tradeoffs In Homestead Evaluation and Design With Guest Ryan Steva

On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold has a conversation with Ryan Steva, a homesteading consultant, about considering tradeoffs in homestead evaluation and design. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 187 – February 1, 2023 Listen To The Podcast About Ryan Ryan grew up in rural Wisconsin and figured out from a young age…

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February 1, 2023

Product Reviews

Inkbird Heating Temperature Controller: A Handy Tool For The Homestead

If you start seedlings, raise small livestock, need to control the heating temperature on just about anything, then you need the Inkbird ITC-306T Pre-wired Electronic Heating Temperature Controller and Digital Timer Controller. I have found this tool to be invaluable on my homestead. A Simple Explanation Of What It Does In layman's terms, the Inkbird…

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January 28, 2023

Support the work of Redemption Permaculture at the Small Town Homestead and the Modern Homesteading Podcast

Yew on The Benefits Of Urine In Permaculture
How often can urine be used on plants? Is there any other uses for urine? I'm thinking I will have…
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Thanks! I was about to go check Sam's book because I was sure I ate a whole bunch of the…
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Purslane is easy to grow and tasty! I recommend it highly to folks looking for new goodies to add to…
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Nadya on Jostaberry: A Homesteader’s Dream Berry for Permaculture Gardens
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Lessons from the Hive
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Today I spent some time watching the activity around my honey bee hive. It seemed like every bee had a purpose. Some were leaving the hive in search of nectar and pollen. Others were returning with their legs covered in golden pollen. There was a constant flow of movement—busy, organized, and productive.

As I stood there watching, I was reminded that none of those bees were working for immediate reward. They weren't gathering nectar to enjoy it that afternoon. They were working for something larger than themselves. Every trip, every flower visited, every load carried was contributing to the health and future of the hive.

It made me think about my own life.

So much of what I do on the homestead feels like that. Planting seeds. Building soil. Repairing fences. Pruning fruit trees. Many of these tasks don't produce immediate results. They require faith that the effort invested today will bear fruit tomorrow.

The Christian life is often the same.

Galatians 6:9 reminds me not to grow weary in doing good. Sometimes I want to see results right away. I want the garden to grow faster, the project to be finished sooner, or the answer to prayer to come immediately. But God often works through seasons of patient faithfulness.

The bees don't quit because they haven't made honey yet. They continue their work day after day, trusting the process God designed for them. Likewise, God calls me to remain faithful in the work He has given me, trusting that in His timing there will be a harvest.

Watching that hive today reminded me that small acts of obedience matter. A prayer offered. A kind word spoken. A task completed. A seed planted. None of it is wasted when it is done for the Lord.

One day, the harvest comes. The honey is stored. The fruit ripens. The prayers are answered. But until then, God calls me to keep working faithfully.

Reflection Questions
- Am I growing weary in an area where God is calling me to remain faithful?
- What "small acts" of obedience might God be using to accomplish something much larger?
- Where do I need to trust God's timing instead of demanding immediate results?
Prayer

Lord, thank You for the lessons You teach through Your creation. As I watched the bees today, remind me that faithfulness matters even when results are not immediately visible. Help me to work diligently in the tasks You have given me and trust that You are bringing a harvest in Your perfect timing. Keep me from growing weary and strengthen me to continue doing good. Amen.