Three years ago today I posted my first entry to this blog. I started blogging with the idea that I would share my thoughts about Faith, Family, and Livin’ the Good Life. My essays have ranged from personal and reflective, to instructive. In short, I write about what interests me. My underlying intention has been to present my life and my beliefs as a testimony to God’s goodness.
I am a Christian. My faith is central to who I am and how I think. Therefore, it is central to this blog. I am also an agrarian. Put the two together and you have a Christian agrarian. I believe Christian agrarianism is the Biblical imperative. I believe the “good life” is found within Christian agrarianism. I could have called it the “abundant life.” That might be a more appropriate description of what my family and I experience here on our little 1.5 acre homestead. It is a life full and rich with the blessings that come when Christian agrarianism is deliberately embraced and pursued.
My Christian agrarian worldview is distinctly different from the worldview of our mainstream culture. And it is often very different from mainstream Christianity. Those who pursue agrarian-centric Christianity are, to one degree or another, separatists. We endeavor to resist the syncretism that invariably happens when Christianity blends with ungodly modernism. Separation from such things is, of course, what Christians have been called to do from the very beginning.
A person recently asked this question in the comments section of this blog:
My response:
I am opinionated but I am not a contentious person. I'm not looking for an argument and I almost never speak out in this blog against the beliefs of others. I simply share with people about who I am, what I believe, how I live, and why I live this way. Nevertheless, some people have taken offense at my words, especially in recent weeks. Here is a comment from a person who read my essay, Hope For a Troubled America and disagreed with what I had to say:
And here’s another recent comment posted to my essay, Boys Will Be Warriors (Part 1):
Obviously, such people have deep-seated differences and, I dare say, they have significant misconceptions about what I’ve written. But that is to be expected. Frankly, I’m very surprised that, three years into this blog, I have not received more criticism.
Three years ago I felt strongly that the world (certainly the U.S.) was in the beginning stages of significant transition. Our pagan, debt-based, fiat-money economy was faltering. If past history is any indicator, such a system must inevitably fail. Today, people are really feeling the decline of the American dollar. We are just beginning to reap a harvest of financial hardship.
Three years ago, the Industrial Monster, fueled by the free flow of plentiful, cheap oil was threatened by the problem of demand outpacing supply. But only a few people seemed to understand this. When I told my friends about Peak Oil they listened politely but didn’t believe a word of it. Even still, with the price of fuel skyrocketing, if I mention the whole Peak Oil situation, they still don’t believe a word of it. The masses just don’t get it. Or they just don’t want to face up to the reality of it all, even as the scenario is unfolding.
I have been a vocal critic of Industrialized Agriculture (a.k.a., Big Ag) from the beginning. Agriculture was the last segment of our culture to be industrialized and it may well prove to be the most foolish of industrial endeavors.
In an early blog posting here—before food shortages and ever-higher food prices became front-page news—I wrote the following in an essay titled, Food Independence Under God:
Then, later in the essay, I had strong words—words that I still firmly believe:
One of my earliest essays was titled, The Industrial Providers. I removed that essay and several others when I published them in my book, Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian. But in celebration of three years of blogging, I have reposted the essay to this blog. You can read it here: Industrial Providers: Understanding The Oligopoly
I have used this blog to present Christian agrarianism as the proper response to pagan industrialism. More than a proper response, I believe it is also the proper “antidote” for the many failures of industrialism. Bearing that in mind, I have tried to inspire and encourage others to return to rural-based, faith-and-family-centered, debt-free, more-self-sufficient lifestyles. I've heard from many readers who have done just that, and I have been encouraged as much by their testimonies as they say they are by mine.
I’ve also heard from many people who feel convicted to pursue the Christian agrarian lifestyle but are discouraged by their inability to do so. They have a vision of what they would like their lives to be like and are discouraged because they can not attain it. To them I always say the same thing: Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have, as the Lord leads you, and be content in that. Christian agrarianism is not a destination as much as it is a journey. And every journey begins with a step, followed by another step, and so on.
Another reason I’ve blogged these years is to chronicle the exploits of my sons as they grow up. One day they will be able to read the essays and look back and better understand the wisdom of this way of life. There is, after all, no better way to raise children that in the agrarian paradigm.
I have written here of my own vision to one day own a larger section of land, debt-free. That vision is still there. Until it comes to fruition, we live "the abundant life" on the 1.5 acres God has given us, and we are ever so thankful for it.
Long-time readers may recall the time when we almost bought the old Grange Hall property near our home. I was even going to get a mortgage, something I have never done and have been opposed to my whole life. As the deal was progressing, the bank decided to change the terms and I came to my senses. Looking back, I think I wanted to “help” God fulfill my vision. That would have been a mistake. So now I continue to work and save and wait.
Speaking of working and saving, when I started writing here three years ago, I did not intend to discuss my part-time Whizbang Books business. But I eventually did and it has proven to be a wise business move. The Google search engines are good to me and my Poultry Processing Essays in particular get a lot of viewers.
An offshoot of the Whizbang Books business has been my 17-year-old son Robert’s, internet business of selling rubber poultry plucker fingers. In the past year and a half, Robert has sold tens of thousands of plucker fingers and has shipped them all over the world. Better yet, he hasn’t spent a cent of his profits. He told me he would like to buy land with the money one day. At the rate he is going, that goal is a possibility. Perhaps we can combine our savings and purchase land together. Wouldn’t that be something!
So blogging has opened up opportunities that would never have otherwise happened. And blogging here has been quite an adventure. I have met a lot of wonderful folks. The most amazing thing has been meeting relatives I never knew from both sides of the family. And it has been so neat to hear from readers who read my Tribute to my Grandmother Kimball and either commented or sent me e-mail letters saying that they remember my grandparents.
It is interesting to note that I came to blogging after being inspired by Scott Terry’s Homesteader Life blog. I found my way to Scott’s blog after reading Rick Saenz’s blog Dry Creek Chronicles. And I came to Rick’s blog after receiving a copy of his “Draught Horse Press” book catalog in the mail. I did not order the catalog. I must have been on a mailing list he used. That catalog was the best “junk mail” I ever got.
Do sequences of events like that happen by chance? Does anything happen by chance? I don’t think so.
By the way, “Draught Horse Press” has become Cumberland Books and now sells all my Whizbang Books.
Bloggers come and bloggers go (does anyone remember Farmer Buie?). We all have our season in the sun. One of these days, I will move on from blogging. I don’t know when that will be. I still feel I have a lot to share and say. Maybe I will blog until I die. Maybe that won’t be long. I really don’t know. But I’ve had a lot of fun sharing my “ruminations” here over the past three years, and, Lord willing, I will continue the dialogue in the days ahead.
Thank you for joining me in the journey.
I am a Christian. My faith is central to who I am and how I think. Therefore, it is central to this blog. I am also an agrarian. Put the two together and you have a Christian agrarian. I believe Christian agrarianism is the Biblical imperative. I believe the “good life” is found within Christian agrarianism. I could have called it the “abundant life.” That might be a more appropriate description of what my family and I experience here on our little 1.5 acre homestead. It is a life full and rich with the blessings that come when Christian agrarianism is deliberately embraced and pursued.
My Christian agrarian worldview is distinctly different from the worldview of our mainstream culture. And it is often very different from mainstream Christianity. Those who pursue agrarian-centric Christianity are, to one degree or another, separatists. We endeavor to resist the syncretism that invariably happens when Christianity blends with ungodly modernism. Separation from such things is, of course, what Christians have been called to do from the very beginning.
A person recently asked this question in the comments section of this blog:
”Can you tell me what a Christian agrarian is? I never heard that before.”
My response:
I suspect you have never heard the term "Christian agrarian" because the mainstream media has not reported on it and there is no organized national association that puts out press releases, and so on and so forth. It is a quiet, decentralized, grassroots movement and that is, in my opinion, best. You can learn a great deal about Christian agrarianism at this essay which I wrote awhile back:
What is Agrarianism? What is Christian Agrarianism?
I am opinionated but I am not a contentious person. I'm not looking for an argument and I almost never speak out in this blog against the beliefs of others. I simply share with people about who I am, what I believe, how I live, and why I live this way. Nevertheless, some people have taken offense at my words, especially in recent weeks. Here is a comment from a person who read my essay, Hope For a Troubled America and disagreed with what I had to say:
”Hope comes to our country when we recognize that we are all humans and fellow citizens first. There lies our unity under our secular Constitution. All you seem to want to do is separate people into heathens and 'true Christians'. That is your right, but the fact is your faith is a minority world-wide. If you cannot love your neighbor unless he is a Christian, I don't have much faith in you.”
And here’s another recent comment posted to my essay, Boys Will Be Warriors (Part 1):
”I feel the need to state that you have a right to your perspective, but to me, you and your ‘agrarian Christianity’ are disturbing… I have seldom read such a load of hogwash. It’s interesting (to a limited extent) to follow your convoluted logic. Your ‘strong,quiet hero full of testosterone’ is just a jumped-up fantasist.”
Obviously, such people have deep-seated differences and, I dare say, they have significant misconceptions about what I’ve written. But that is to be expected. Frankly, I’m very surprised that, three years into this blog, I have not received more criticism.
Three years ago I felt strongly that the world (certainly the U.S.) was in the beginning stages of significant transition. Our pagan, debt-based, fiat-money economy was faltering. If past history is any indicator, such a system must inevitably fail. Today, people are really feeling the decline of the American dollar. We are just beginning to reap a harvest of financial hardship.
Three years ago, the Industrial Monster, fueled by the free flow of plentiful, cheap oil was threatened by the problem of demand outpacing supply. But only a few people seemed to understand this. When I told my friends about Peak Oil they listened politely but didn’t believe a word of it. Even still, with the price of fuel skyrocketing, if I mention the whole Peak Oil situation, they still don’t believe a word of it. The masses just don’t get it. Or they just don’t want to face up to the reality of it all, even as the scenario is unfolding.
I have been a vocal critic of Industrialized Agriculture (a.k.a., Big Ag) from the beginning. Agriculture was the last segment of our culture to be industrialized and it may well prove to be the most foolish of industrial endeavors.
In an early blog posting here—before food shortages and ever-higher food prices became front-page news—I wrote the following in an essay titled, Food Independence Under God:
”The probability of Peak Oil, and the assurance of higher energy costs means that food from the corporations will be more expensive. Beyond that, natural disasters (including pandemics) and geopolitical happenings will make some or all corporate foods unavailable at times and in places. Disruptions in the food supply could be minor, short-lived and localized, or they could be major, long-lasting (even permanent) and widespread. To depend on the Industrial Providers in the face of this reality is foolishness.”
Then, later in the essay, I had strong words—words that I still firmly believe:
”For Christians to put their full faith and hope in the provision of this industrial [food] system that is in total rebellion against God is akin to participating in the rebellion.
Obedience to God calls for breaking the ties that bind us to ungodly industrialism. Obedience calls for us to grow our own food. This is why God himself showed Adam how to plant a garden. And God says that if a man does not work, he should not eat. Do you see the connection?”
One of my earliest essays was titled, The Industrial Providers. I removed that essay and several others when I published them in my book, Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian. But in celebration of three years of blogging, I have reposted the essay to this blog. You can read it here: Industrial Providers: Understanding The Oligopoly
I have used this blog to present Christian agrarianism as the proper response to pagan industrialism. More than a proper response, I believe it is also the proper “antidote” for the many failures of industrialism. Bearing that in mind, I have tried to inspire and encourage others to return to rural-based, faith-and-family-centered, debt-free, more-self-sufficient lifestyles. I've heard from many readers who have done just that, and I have been encouraged as much by their testimonies as they say they are by mine.
I’ve also heard from many people who feel convicted to pursue the Christian agrarian lifestyle but are discouraged by their inability to do so. They have a vision of what they would like their lives to be like and are discouraged because they can not attain it. To them I always say the same thing: Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have, as the Lord leads you, and be content in that. Christian agrarianism is not a destination as much as it is a journey. And every journey begins with a step, followed by another step, and so on.
Another reason I’ve blogged these years is to chronicle the exploits of my sons as they grow up. One day they will be able to read the essays and look back and better understand the wisdom of this way of life. There is, after all, no better way to raise children that in the agrarian paradigm.
I have written here of my own vision to one day own a larger section of land, debt-free. That vision is still there. Until it comes to fruition, we live "the abundant life" on the 1.5 acres God has given us, and we are ever so thankful for it.
Long-time readers may recall the time when we almost bought the old Grange Hall property near our home. I was even going to get a mortgage, something I have never done and have been opposed to my whole life. As the deal was progressing, the bank decided to change the terms and I came to my senses. Looking back, I think I wanted to “help” God fulfill my vision. That would have been a mistake. So now I continue to work and save and wait.
Speaking of working and saving, when I started writing here three years ago, I did not intend to discuss my part-time Whizbang Books business. But I eventually did and it has proven to be a wise business move. The Google search engines are good to me and my Poultry Processing Essays in particular get a lot of viewers.
An offshoot of the Whizbang Books business has been my 17-year-old son Robert’s, internet business of selling rubber poultry plucker fingers. In the past year and a half, Robert has sold tens of thousands of plucker fingers and has shipped them all over the world. Better yet, he hasn’t spent a cent of his profits. He told me he would like to buy land with the money one day. At the rate he is going, that goal is a possibility. Perhaps we can combine our savings and purchase land together. Wouldn’t that be something!
So blogging has opened up opportunities that would never have otherwise happened. And blogging here has been quite an adventure. I have met a lot of wonderful folks. The most amazing thing has been meeting relatives I never knew from both sides of the family. And it has been so neat to hear from readers who read my Tribute to my Grandmother Kimball and either commented or sent me e-mail letters saying that they remember my grandparents.
It is interesting to note that I came to blogging after being inspired by Scott Terry’s Homesteader Life blog. I found my way to Scott’s blog after reading Rick Saenz’s blog Dry Creek Chronicles. And I came to Rick’s blog after receiving a copy of his “Draught Horse Press” book catalog in the mail. I did not order the catalog. I must have been on a mailing list he used. That catalog was the best “junk mail” I ever got.
Do sequences of events like that happen by chance? Does anything happen by chance? I don’t think so.
By the way, “Draught Horse Press” has become Cumberland Books and now sells all my Whizbang Books.
Bloggers come and bloggers go (does anyone remember Farmer Buie?). We all have our season in the sun. One of these days, I will move on from blogging. I don’t know when that will be. I still feel I have a lot to share and say. Maybe I will blog until I die. Maybe that won’t be long. I really don’t know. But I’ve had a lot of fun sharing my “ruminations” here over the past three years, and, Lord willing, I will continue the dialogue in the days ahead.
Thank you for joining me in the journey.
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17 comments:
Happy Anniversary Herrick!!!
Here's to many more to come!!!!
JBMaine
As I was reading, I was getting worried that this was leading up to you totally retreating from blogland. Whew! I'm glad you are staying. :-D
On another note: growing garlic. I planted 215 cloves in the first week of November, mulched them, etc. Only 75 came up and they don't look overly healthy. I have just cut the scapes off and noticed that there is a bulb growing inside a couple of the garlic stems (not the scapes). They look like a whole bulb of garlic. Strange. Have you ever heard of that?
Herrick,
You keep doing what you do; we (and you know who we are) love you.
Judy
I have just found this wonderful blog. I am working my way to becoming a Christian Agrarian myself. Associate pastor and minister of music, father to 4, grandfather to 6, husband of a beautiful wife.
Thank you for the hours I have spent so far, and for the hours I will spend implementing some of the things I have read here.
Mike Saunders
Congatulations Herrick on your three year anniversary.I just wanted to take a momment to thankyou for introducing me to the world of christian agrarianism through this blog that I have been reading now for 2 years.Keep up the good work and may god bless you and your family.
Good post, Herrick. I hope you stick around for a long time.
Hi Herrick
Has it been 3 years? Wow, I can still remember the first time you left a comment on my blog. I remember Chad emailing me that he googled your name and found out you had written the "Plucker Book". I remember finding your blog before you went public with it and you being dumbfounded as to how I knew you started a blog. Your blog has been an inspiration to many and still after all these years one of my very favorite places on the web. As for the "hate mail" and critical comments, Praise God for them. If we didn't get hate mail from the pagans it would be a sure sign we weren't doing our job. The truth is offensive. I pray that the Lord may bless you with many more years of blogging and may you continue to be a fine representative of King Jesus on the World Wide Web.
Herrick,
I'm so glad you are back, I missed you. All I can say is AMEN to everything you have written. Please keep writing, cause I'll be reading and telling my friends about your blog.
Happy Anniversary,
Manette
I also add my congratulations and thank God for His ministry through you and your blog. I blinked back tears when I read about you and your son possibly buying land together. That sure would be great, on many counts!
God bless you, Herrick!
Terry
Herrick,
Happy Third Anniversary! I agree that nothing happens by chance. I'm very thankful for your writing, which is a gift from God, and for the example you are setting not only for your boys, but for so many others who are seeking a different path. I still have a heart for Christian agrarianism but circumstances have not allowed me to pursue the vision. I support others as I am able. For instance, our family's soap needs are met through Cheri at TNFarmgirl and I buy meat and produce locally. The Lord has healed my physical ailments enough that I was actually able to start a vegetable garden this year. Small, but that's okay. One step at a time in His timing, not ours. My husband does what he can when he is not working at his outside job. I still make time to blog - very occasionally - but hope to get back into more regularly this summer so don't write me off just yet. And I do remember "Farmer Buie"! All that to say, I hope you continue writing and inspiring us for many years to come, plus I look forward to a sequel to Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian - which I highly recommend, by the way, to anyone who has not read it yet. BUY THE BOOK! :) May the Lord bless and keep you and your family.
I'm so glad you are sticking around. Yours is one of my favorite blogs to read. Don't you mind what those critics have to say, some people just don't get it.
Herrick,
This is my first time commenting, responding. You are a God send to my wife and I. We have been trying to farm naturally and organically for 9 years now. I have lived the "American life". Due to illness I forced out of it, praise God, 10 years ago. Since that time, Romans 12:1-2, has been a huge part of my driving force. And I believe it was divine intervention that lead me to your blog. I have not blogged before, but I believe it is time to start. Just don't know how to go about it.
Don't grow weary of being obedient to your call. Remember that our Lord faced all kinds of naysayers in the face of miracles. Keep on keepin on!!
I am so glad that you are staying...I was worried for a second there.
I think that people who write you those nasty emails are insecure and angry. They are angry because you challenge them and some people can't take a challenge. I also think that you are being attacked by the enemy and will continue to be because of what's happening in our world. The further our country (and world) goes down the tubes, the more that your words stand out as a light in the darkness...Satan hates that! Keep it up and we will keep reading. I am much inspired by you and your family, and feel almost as if you are family of my own....my husband and I talk of you all of the time. :-)
I'm glad that you are back from your break....10 days is a long time. ha ha!
I am glad you are sticking around. I have used the time you took off to really explore your blog and I learned SO MUCH! Thank you for letting us "sit at your feet" and glean information.
DH and I are going to go from subdivision living to homesteading in about two years. It's a calling neither one of us ever imagined.
I need all the info I can get. LOL
I love that I can get it here from a Christian perspective. So much of my research leads me to new agey stuff. Blah!
Happy anniversary!
Who's Farmer Buie?
Thank you ALL for your kind and encouraging comments.
It is so nice to have you as readers.
Granny Miller-
Farmer Buie was a young Christian man with no agrarian background who saw the wisdom of the Christian agrarian life. So he went to live and work on a farm, or something like a farm. Many of us wished him well and were excited to read his blog posts about his adventure. But we never heard another word and he removed his blog. I don't think things worked out.
Glad you're feeling better and welcome back.
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