This is our journal of what we pray is our sojourn of life (Hebrews 11:8-10) along the narrow way (Matthew 7:14), even the old paths (Jeremiah 6:16), submitting to the Bible as a light unto both (Psalms 119:105). It is our prayer that these documented moments in our earthly time benefit whom God might choose to edify, but ultimately that God glorifies Himself through them.

The Orchard – 2012 Harvest

Orchard 2012 Nectarines on Tree

After last year’s drought, we didn’t really get anything in the way of fruit from our orchard, other than the few I mention in that blog post.

However, this year, the Lord saw fit to grant us quite a few peaches, plums and nectarines!

Here are some peaches cut up on the solar food dehydrator:

Orchard 2012 Peaches Cut Up on Solar Food Dehydrator

And here is some peach jam Sue made, ending up with about 12 1/2-pints worth:

Orchard 2012 Peach Jam

Some time later, the nectarines started coming in. The first picture above and this one are the nectarines:

Orchard 2012 Nectarine Trees

And here are some of them cut up (along with some plums in the bucket), ready for the dehydrator:

Orchard 2012 Nectarines and Plums

And here is some of the dried fruit. We ended up with around three large containers full:

Orchard 2012 Dried Fruit

Sadly, with drought conditions returning this summer, it looks like we’re starting to lose a few of the trees again, even after putting large piles of mulch around them. But, we’ll see how many make it in the end, and we pray for the Lord’s mercies on the rest of the trees, and rains to recover, according to His will.

We’re very grateful to God for granting this perennial food this year, and for allowing us to tuck it away for long-term storage without the use of worldly means of food preservation.

— David

4 Comments

  1. bayougirl

    Thank you for sharing about your peach harvest. My husband and I have planted some peaches this past spring and hope the Lord will bless us with a harvest next year. What varieties did you plant?

  2. David and Susan Sifford

    Hi bayougirl,

    You know, I don't really remember what variety they are. We planted them some 5-6 years ago, and I believe this was our 2nd real harvest (I think the 1st was a couple years ago); so for us, it took a couple or more years for them to get going.

    Thanks for saying hi.

    — David

  3. Anonymous

    You seem to have a beautiful life and it is nice to see others doing so well with God , family and love playing such a large roll in your day to day. I wish you all continued happiness. This was an uplifting blog that i feel blessed to read. 🙂 Amber R.

  4. David and Susan Sifford

    Hi Amber,

    The Lord is gracious and merciful, and He graciously grants continued provisions, and revelations of His graces and mercies. It's often difficult out here, especially spiritually, but God has continued to reveal His faithfulness.

    Thanks for saying hello and for your good hopes toward us.

    — David

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