Why Wholehearted Farm?

Back when we started our homeschool journey in 2020, we didn't have a school name. I jokingly called it "Tanking Academy" at times, but nothing was registered with our state. When it became a requirement when my oldest hit 1st grade, I really had to pray about it. I didn't want to call it just anything. The Lord answered and really impressed on my heart to remember that everything I say (teach) and do, to do it all as if doing it for HIM.

Colossians 3:23 kept coming back to my mind, which says:

"Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people." (emphasis mine)

Obviously, the word wholeheartedly stood out to me, which means: "showing or characterized by complete sincerity and commitment". That's it. That's what I wanted for our home, to be so committed to God and working hard for Him that everything flowed out of our obedience to Him first. God also promises to reward those who work with that kind of heart for Him. It was then that I decided to use that verse as our mission statement and register Wholehearted Homeschool.

A few months after we moved to our new home, my husband and I began to have an idea stirring in our hearts to expand our beef business because we saw a need for smaller quantities of beef in individual cuts. I was already teaching our kids (at Wholehearted Homeschool) and volunteering in some areas at our church, and Joe had many different projects that needed done for the house in addition to working at his job. Our kids were 6, 4, 2, and 9 months old. Needless to say, we had a lot on our plates. When it came to naming our beef business, we toyed with ideas of idyllic country names, cow related puns, and historical landmarks. None of them really fit. God made it very clear to my husband and I that our work that is done wholeheartedly for Him isn't just for certain areas, but ALL areas in our life, for His glory alone. So, in keeping with our commitment to Him, we launched Wholehearted Farm!

Part of Wholehearted Farm was also beginning this blog, hoping to show our lifestyle in a more well-rounded way. We try to grow and consume wholesome foods, the kind God intended for us to consume, as much as possible. We realize not everyone can grow their own vegetables or feels comfortable baking with sourdough. That's okay! I pray that through reading this blog, you won't feel bogged down by more information, but be uplifted and inspired to take what you think your family can implement in your life! You won't find the world's usual "busy" here, but you will find:

Sincerity and Authenticity

My goal is to reach you through honesty and transparency. If you're looking for fancy, that's not me. I pray what you read here will encourage, inspire, and uplift you, but also bring glory to God. I don't want to add stress to your life, or leave you with information overload. My desire is to glorify God with what He calls me to use this platform for, whether that be sharing homemade recipes, garden care, or giving examples how we steward what God has given us.

Slow-Paced Dedication

We embrace the slow. We make room for margin. The truth is, we are kind of forced to with the lifestyle we live, and we like it that way. The desire of our hearts is to seek more and more of Jesus and to worship Him alone, and the busier we are, the harder that is for me. It's so easy to worship God by being in His Creation if we just take the time to notice even the tiniest details. You'll see anywhere from gardening and canning, to homemade foods and easy tricks we use in the kitchen to help make our lives a little simpler.

Positive Commitment

I am not here to be negative in any way, shape, or form. I don't really care for the narrative of tearing others down or complaining about this, that, or the other. Rather, as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, to "encourage one another and build each other up" is my aim.

If you're new to the blog, welcome!! It is relatively new, and a branch of our beef business, Wholehearted Farm LLC.

I created it as an outlet to share some of the ways we homestead, harvest, and make homemade food at our farm, as well as helping to get the word out about our quality, homegrown beef. It's a blessing to be able to get creative while also documenting this journey along the way. Thanks for being here!