The Work’s Never Done!
Homesteading…
The term just conjures up visions of hard work, sweaty days, and the fruit of our labor. 
It’s true. Homesteading, country living, doing things ourselves, and making it work are part of the everyday lifestyle we have chosen. We could walk away from it, and that would be ok, but for now we choose to keep pressing on.
I think a little about the pioneers who packed all of their belongings into a covered wagon to head West. They had a dream. Freedom, opportunity, wide open spaces. Or maybe it was a little bit of adventure, escape, or a calling that prompted them to leave what they knew behind, to traverse the wild nation, and keep going, through much struggle. 
It does remind me of the Bible verse:
…exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22).
People choose homesteading for many reasons also. Whatever the reason, part of life becomes times when we just need to press on, stick it out, and keep looking for the brighter days to come.
Sticking together with our families helps. Often we are very tempted to make each other the enemy, but that only divides us and makes the work twice as hard! 
AdWe are all in this together, and we would do well to keep that in mind! Our kids work very hard. We work hard. We need to notice more, and appreciate each other.
Many years ago, this little poem came across my attention. I believe I read it in a magazine then, and not long ago I remembered it. It’s a nice little reminder for all of us, homesteaders or not!
Please enjoy!
😉
Mountain Ma and Pa
Mountain Ma and Pa
January 15, 1996
O, so much ter do
So much ter be done!
The work’s never through
An the work ain’t much fun.
No thanks fer yer labor
No pay fer the job”
Jest “What’s fer supper?”
“How bout corn-on-da-cob?”
Ya mop an ya sweep,
Ya dust an ya shine
Then turn around
And what do ya find?
His shoes on the floor,
His coat on the chair,
His rear in the couch,
An his feet in the air!!
So ya kick off yer shoes
An ya throw down yer broom”
An ya wink at yer ole man
So he’ll make ya some room!
I also found a short devotional speaking encouragement for all of us on this road. Through Much Tribulation
If you’d be interested, I made a collection of encouraging Bible verses in a couple of handy printables awhile back. Feel free to download and print them for your home. More Bible Promises for a Homesteader’s Heart
Bible Promises for Homesteaders—Free Printable for You!
I also like little boxes of Bible promises like these. It’s nice to open a new promise every day. 😊. 101 Promises from Psalms
Bible Promises to Bless Your Soul. This set is lovely and feminine.
Whatever your journey, homesteading or not, may you be encouraged and uplifted. Oh, and don’t forget to throw down your broom every now and then! 😉
My ex-husband and I had a farm in the Thumb of Michigan for about 15 years. At that time we had moved there to join a Mennonite Church. I learned a lot while there, and have utilized the skills of gardening & cooking everyday.
It is hard work, but very rewarding.
We have Mennonites in our area. They operate three bulk food stores, and I love to go in to soak up the country feel. I bet you learned many practical skills being among them.
I admire you and your family for all you do on her homestead. I’ve always loved the simple life (although it sounds like homesteading is not simple) and have such great memories of when my grandparents did much of what you are doing with and for your family! Love the poem!!
Thanks.
I think the learning curve is what makes it hard! We certainly find much to learn!
Glad to see that homesteadinig is till extant today!
I thought the poes was cute and as bad as my head is hurting this morning I am throwing everything down and heading to the couch as I hope for quite until it gets easy. Have a wonderful day and I look forward to reading more post through the #UBC. Happy New Year
You do that! Have a great day. Hope your head improves.
I often think when I have free time if people back then in “simpler times” ever had the chance to enjoy hobbies or other pleasures. I also bet that insomnia was less of a problem with all that hard work!
That’s for sure!
Love the list of Bible verses! ❤️